Arsenal under-18s finished their league season in style when taking on champions Aston Villa in Premier League action.
The hosts were reduced to ten men early in the match as Markie Meade received a red card, putting Aston Villa on the back foot.
Arsenal capitalised shortly after, with Max Dowman scoring the opener, before he grabbed a brace and doubled the lead after the break.
Louis Zecevic-John then bagged a goal to ensure the Young Gunners ran out as 3-0 winners in their final game of the season.
While there were plenty of impressive performances from the Arsenal academy stars, it was Max Dowman who once again received praise from head coach Adam Birchall.
Max Dowman praised by Adam Birchall after bagging Arsenal under-18s brace
Max Dowman has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Arsenal academy, becoming an important part of the under-18s setup.
At just 15 years old, the playmaker is having quite the impact and has even caught the eye of Mikel Arteta.
Dowman is expected to join Arsenal’s pre-season tour this summer, joining up with the senior squad once again ahead of a season where he will be eligible to play.
Ending his season off well, the youngster scored another brace to show exactly why he is so highly rated at London Colney.
Adam Birchall praised the starlet in an interview with the official Arsenal website, stating: “I think the best goal I liked that he did today was when he pressed on the edge of the box, won the ball back and scored to really show his personality in and out of possession.
“Obviously, people see him and he glides and he moves so wonderfully with the ball, but that side of the game, I know, means a lot to him.
“He’s really trying to develop it, and that showed development today. So, yes, he had a wonderful day.”
It shows just how well Dowman is performing, with his effort also being a key part that Arteta and his coaching staff will love as an asset to the senior squad.
Max Dowman’s 2024/25 Arsenal season statistics
With the 2024/25 season drawing to a close for the Arsenal under-18s, plenty of reflection will go into a relatively successful season.
The side finished third in the Premier League South Division, with plenty of development for key stars along the way.
One of the bright sparks was Dowman, who ended the season in impressive fashion, having played several age groups above his own.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 19 | 5 |
With plenty of goals for the under-18s, as well as one appearance for the under-21s, Dowman showed exactly what he is capable of.
It remains to be seen what his next steps will be, but he clearly has a bright future ahead.
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