Fabian Huerzeler on Max Dowman
Image credit: Getty Images
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has heaped praise on Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman after witnessing the youngster make history during the Seagulls’ 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup at the Emirates Stadium.
The 15-year-old midfielder wrote his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for Arsenal, further underlining the growing influence of Mikel Arteta’s academy graduates.
Despite making ten changes from the side that edged past Crystal Palace in the Premier League over the weekend, Arteta’s youthful lineup displayed composure and quality well beyond their years.
It was another Hale End product, Ethan Nwaneri, who broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, finishing calmly after a slick combination with Myles Lewis-Skelly. The victory was later sealed by Bukayo Saka, one of the team’s senior figures at just 24, who came off the bench to slot home Arsenal’s second goal and confirm their progression to the quarter-finals.
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While the Premier League title remains the Gunners’ top priority as they sit four points clear at the summit, Arteta’s men are equally determined to end their domestic cup drought. Their reward for the win is a quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace, a fixture that promises another test for Arsenal’s emerging talents.
Speaking after the match, Brighton boss Hurzeler admitted his side fell short of their best but suggested the contest might have taken a different turn had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Max Dowman v Brighton
Max Dowman made his first Arsenal star against Brighton in the Carabao Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)
Hurzeler was also asked about the challenge of preparing for an Arsenal side filled with lesser-known youngsters, including Dowman, who made his full debut after featuring briefly in previous league matches.
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“I think he [Dowman] already played some minutes in the Premier League so he’s a good player,” Hurzeler said, drawing comparisons between the 15-year-old and Arsenal’s star winger.
“Left-footed player, similar to Saka, so the profiles are not too different. We tried to prepare the best way we can, but for sure you don’t always know who’s playing until you see the teamsheet, and at that point, you can give some more advice to the players.”
Wednesday’s game marked Dowman’s fourth senior appearance for Arsenal since his debut in August, a clear sign of Arteta’s faith in the teenager’s potential.
The Gunners now shift focus back to league action with a trip to Burnley this weekend.
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