Arteta: Gunners Prospect Dowman to Feature in Remainder of Season, But Must Earn Spot with On-Pitch Performance
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly confirmed that 16-year-old midfield prodigy Max Dowman will be included in the first-team squad for the remainder of this season, earning opportunities to make appearances. However, the Spanish coach also emphasized that these opportunities are not guaranteed and must be earned through Dowman's actual performance in training and matches. The comments came ahead of the team's fourth-round Carabao Cup away trip to Ipswich Town, scheduled for Tuesday local time.
The Gunners finished as runners-up in the Carabao Cup final last season, losing to Manchester City. On this visit to Suffolk, they will face fellow top-flight side Ipswich Town and aim to extend their recent winning streak to five matches. Arteta revealed that Dowman has been included in the matchday squad on four occasions this season but has yet to make an appearance, most recently last Wednesday against Napoli. To maintain his match fitness, he has participated in several U21 matches, including a U21 fixture against Chelsea at the weekend, which Arsenal lost 1-4.
Last season, Dowman made his Premier League starting debut in an away match against Crystal Palace, becoming the youngest ever starting player in the league's history. He followed this up by coming off the bench against Everton and scoring a spectacular curling goal that left a lasting impression, marking his first career goal. However, with Arteta able to field Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, and Viktor Gyökeres on the bench in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland last Saturday, the coach cannot guarantee to the media that Dowman will start at Portman Road.
When asked about Dowman's arrangements, Arteta said: "Well, I expect him to be in the environment for the Sunderland game, but we must abide by the 20-man squad limit per match." He added: "Max will certainly get his opportunities. He will get playing time, but at the same time, he needs to earn those opportunities like every other player, through hard work and performance. We clearly recognize the talent and existing players we have within the squad. Our job is to help him and find ways to ensure he continues to progress."
In other news, Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly excluded Richarlison from the Tottenham squad for the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool; Arsenal plan to contact the Professional Refereeing Authority regarding the penalty controversy from the Sunderland match; and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted that the VAR decision to award Erling Haaland's goal as valid left him confused. Dowman hopes to make his first-team debut this season against Ipswich Town, and Arteta promised that this Premier League title contender does not lack the motivation to push him forward.
While the Carabao Cup may not be the North London giants' top priority compared to chasing the Premier League title and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, the 44-year-old Arteta is well aware that his players will cherish the opportunity to progress further in this competition. He emphasized: "This is the next game, the next competitive objective. We will look at the players' eyes — they will express a strong desire to play and to win, to improve themselves, and to reassess their performance in the Sunderland match. They are willing to give everything for me, because I know the energy of this young group."
Bukayo Saka scored a late decisive goal in the tough away victory at Sunderland, which followed a midweek away win over Napoli and a heated derby clash against London rivals Chelsea. Tuesday local time marks Arsenal's third consecutive away fixture, and Saka told the club's official website: "This week has been crucial for us. We have been traveling extensively, and people don't understand the hard work behind the scenes, but I am very satisfied with the way the team has handled everything. This has been exceptional for us, and credit belongs to the entire squad, the coaching staff, and every member. We must keep moving forward and absolutely cannot stagnate."