Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Mikel Arteta expressed his delight after Arsenal’s youthful side produced an assured performance in their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.
Teen defender Myles Lewis-Skelly played a crucial role in the opening goal, darting into the box to meet Mikel Merino’s exquisite backheel before calmly cutting the ball back for Ethan Nwaneri, who slotted home with precision into the bottom corner.
Arsenal extended their advantage midway through the second half when substitute Bukayo Saka pounced on a rebound after debutant Andre Harriman-Annous saw his effort parried. The 17-year-old was one of several academy players handed opportunities on the night, alongside Max Dowman, who was handed his first senior start.
READ MORE: BREAKING: Arsenal striker ruled out for the season after suffering ACL injury
Another clean sheet, the Gunners’ sixth in succession across all competitions sealed a comfortable passage into the quarter-finals, where they will host Crystal Palace.
But the spotlight shone brightly on Dowman, who, at just 15, became the youngest player ever to start a competitive match for Arsenal. The teenager’s confident and dynamic display drew a standing ovation when he was substituted late on, marking another milestone moment in his rapid rise.
Arsenal - Max Dowman
Max Dowman (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking after the game, Arteta was effusive in his praise for the young midfielder, describing him as “special” and hailing his natural ease on the big stage.
“For him everything is natural, for him everything is okay, it’s the way he plays. I think that’s the secret, that he doesn’t make a big fuss of it,” Arteta said.
“He just does what he does best, which is to play football, to play football with a lot of courage and determination, and today again he’s shown some incredible skill, some capacity to run past players at that level in the Premier League at 15. It’s something definitely special.”
Dowman, who made his senior debut earlier in the season, continues to attract growing excitement among supporters. However, Arteta has remained cautious in managing his development, ensuring the youngster gains steady experience with the Under-21s despite public calls for more first-team involvement.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
When asked if the teenager could now be pushing for a regular spot in the senior squad, Arteta smiled and replied:“For sure, if you ask him, for sure. That’s what we have to manage and not only that, there’s a lot of things that are new in his life, we discussed that I think a few days ago.
“Make sure that he does the right steps, that he behaves and accepts because this is going to go this one, then he’s going to play in a different team, and he needs to cope with all that because it’s happening very, very fast, and we all need to be aware of that. Let’s encourage him to keep going that way, but let’s protect him as well.”
Arsenal
Max Dowman with Andre Harriman-Annous (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta also took time to commend Harriman-Annous, who made his first senior start in place of Viktor Gyokeres. The Spaniard revealed that the young forward had impressed the coaching staff since pre-season with his attitude and work ethic.
“Well, since pre-season when he was with us, I was very impressed with him,” Arteta said. “First of all, his mentality, how much he wants it. That’s the first ingredient. He’s desperate to achieve his dream. I think he’s been very consistent, training with us and constantly giving us the option to pick him.
“I believe today was the right day for him, for the context, for the way he’s playing as well. He certainly proved that he’s got a chance.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Fabian Hurzeler reveals why Max Dowman’s performance against Brighton didn’t surprise him