Arsenal FC Manager - Mikel Arteta
Arsenal FC Manager - Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made his position clear after Max Dowman was sent off against Fleetwood Town. The 16-year-old will face a three-match ban after his dismissal in the Carabao Cup. Arteta has defended his reaction and wants the young winger to learn from the incident.
Arteta explains his reaction to Max Dowman’s red card
As reported by BBC Sport, Arteta has warned Dowman that Arsenal are not a place where young players can avoid the demands of top-level football. His message came after the teenager received a straight red card during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.
Dowman was dismissed in the 85th minute after reacting to a strong challenge from Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal. The Arsenal youngster kicked out during the incident and the referee showed him a red card. Arsenal later lost 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1.
Arteta appeared angry as Dowman walked towards the tunnel. The manager later explained that he had already spoken to the winger about handling such situations before the game. He wanted the youngster to stay calm, even when opponents tried to unsettle him. The Arsenal boss also made it clear that his reaction came from frustration and concern. He knows how much the suspension could affect a young player’s progress. However, he believes Dowman must learn to control his emotions when playing at the highest level.
Arteta also used the phrase “We are not in Disneyland” to explain the demands of the game. He said Arsenal would protect the teenager, but would also expect him to follow the same rules as his senior team-mates.
Dowman’s Arsenal stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Minutes played Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 6 153 1 0 4
FA Cup 2 167 0 0 3
EFL Cup 2 98 0 0 2
Champions League 3 59 0 0 –
Three-match ban leaves Arsenal without young winger
Arsenal tried to overturn the decision, but their appeal was rejected by an independent commission. The Football Association upheld the red card and Dowman must now serve a three-match suspension.
The ban means he will miss Sunday’s trip to Liverpool. He will also be unavailable for Arsenal’s matches against newly promoted Premier League side Hull City and Newcastle United. This is a setback for the young winger, who had been given chances to impress in the first team. Dowman had already shown his attacking quality in the Carabao Cup. He scored twice against Ipswich Town in the previous round. Those goals helped him earn another start against Fleetwood, but his dismissal became the main talking point.
Arteta insists there is no issue between him and Dowman
Arteta has also dismissed suggestions that his reaction damaged his relationship with the teenager. He revealed that the pair spoke on Thursday and confirmed there were no problems between them. The manager wants the incident to become a lesson rather than a bigger issue.
He believes young players need honest advice as they move into senior football. Arsenal give Dowman plenty of support, but that does not mean they will ignore mistakes. Arteta wants the winger to understand his role and take responsibility for his actions.
The manager also knows that opponents may target Dowman because of his talent and age. Young players can face extra pressure when they start attracting attention. The winger must learn to deal with that pressure without allowing frustration to affect his decisions.
Arteta was also unhappy with the appeal result. He felt the challenge on Dowman was dangerous and believed the youngster was fortunate to avoid a serious foot injury. However, the suspension will stand, and Arsenal must move forward without him for three matches.
Read More: Max Dowman: Arteta breaks silence after Merson criticism
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