Arsenal have ground to make up in the Premier League as an away trip to Nottingham Forest awaits
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Max Dowman during a training session at Hotel Camiral de Caldes de Malavella on July 28, 2026 in Girona, Spain.
Mikel Arteta has responded to news surrounding Max Dowman(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal turn their attention back to Premier League action after last night's Champions League tie against Lille. The Gunners got back to winning ways in the top-flight against Leeds last week after their surprise 3-0 loss to Brighton before the international break.
Now Mikel Arteta will be hoping his players can string a run together as they chase Manchester City at the top. It's Nottingham Forest up next in the league on Sunday, before visits from Everton and Hull City sandwiched in between a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Mikel Arteta responds to Dowman claim
Mikel Arteta has agreed with Lionel Messi's claim that Max Dowman is on the path to greatness. The Arsenal boss was full of pride for the teenager's mention from the Argentina hero in his top 10 list of rising Adidas athletes, stating: "If Messi, who is the best ever player, says that
"His eyes are I think better than anybody else’s. Hopefully he’s right."
Arsenal FC Head Coach Mikel Arteta talks to Max Dowman following the pre-season friendly match between Girona FC and Arsenal FC at Montilivi Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Girona, Spain.
Arteta agreed with Lionel Messi's claim that the teenager is destined for something special(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Arteta certainly believes Messi's seal of approval, explaining exactly what made Dowman stand out among the rest. He added: "That he’s got something special. In the few appearances that he had, he’s already done remarkable things. That’s somebody that is touched with a special gift.
"He’s a joy to watch. The way he moves, the way he touches the ball, the way he carries himself, it’s just different. And that’s what makes him unique."
Promise made
Gabriel has promised to avenge his Champions League penalty woes by stepping up for another spot kick when required. The defender missed the decisive strike for his team in the final in May, blasting his effort from 12 yards over the bar and handing the trophy to Paris-Saint Germain.
However, Gabriel insists he won't let this deter him from putting his name on the list for another penalty in the future. He said: "In the final anything can happen, and we did really well. Of course, if I have another penalty, I will be there to take it. And my team-mates helped me a lot after this.
Gabriel of Arsenal looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy following the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.
Gabriel is determined to right some wrongs(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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"Of course, I was sad, and I didn’t want to miss a penalty, but I have learned from this and if I have another opportunity, I will be ready to take it."
The centre-half praised his Brazil colleague, Marquinhos, for comforting him on the pitch during the final instead of running off to celebrate with his club teammates. Gabriel added: "It was brilliant for him to come to me. Of course, he missed a penalty in a World Cup and he has experience from this moment.
"He said some words to me, and helped me a lot, and after this I spoke with him and I said ‘thank you’ because in this moment it was really difficult. I learned a lot from him, too, so I say ‘thank you’ to him, because it was a difficult moment for me."