Wayne Rooney says he’s concerned about Arsenal after what happened in the 89th minute vs Liverpool

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Wayne Rooney noticed a cause for concern during Arsenal’s Premier League defeat to Liverpool.

Arne Slot suggested Liverpool and Arsenal were evenly matched throughout the contest, as the hosts won the game through a moment of magic from Dominik Szoboszlai. 

Szoboszlai scored a direct free-kick from 32 yards out, a goal worthy of winning a match that was destined to end goalless.

With it only being three games into the season, Mikel Arteta won’t overthink the result, despite Arsenal receiving a lot of criticism for their playing style at Anfield. 

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Wayne Rooney is concerned about Arsenal relying on Max Dowman

It’s not only Arsenal’s playing style that’s been put under the microscope, as Arteta’s substitutions have also generated attention.

The Arsenal manager waited until the 70th minute to refresh his attack with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, but that wasn’t his strangest substitution. 

In the 86th minute, 15-year-old Max Dowman was called from the bench, and in his ten-minute cameo, he really threatened. 

Dowman humiliated Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli against Liverpool, recording more attempted dribbles than the duo combined at Anfield. 

While the teenager’s cameo was a cause for celebration, Wayne Rooney actually thought that, in some ways, it was a cause for concern. 

Speaking on his podcast named The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United legend questioned Arteta bringing on Dowman at a time when Arsenal needed a goal. 

“I feel like if you look, you know, today for Arsenal, he brought Eze on and young Dowman again.

“For a 15-year-old, it’s a tough place to come on, Anfield, and so for Arsenal, if you’re relying on that, then that would be a concern.”

Arteta clearly brought Dowman into the game as he thought that the 15-year-old could be a difference-maker, which is admirable as it is alarming. 

Dowman’s start to the season proves Arsenal have to utilise him

A thought will be spared for Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard, who remained on the bench as unused substitutes while Arteta introduced Dowman. 

Despite not being able to pen a professional contract until December, when he turns 16, it’s so clear what Arteta has in store for young Dowman. 

Having featured in two of Arsenal’s three Premier League games so far, the boss has signalled that the 2009-born talent has fast-tracked the U21s to head straight into the first team.

Arsenal wanted to keep Dowman’s ability quiet to best support his development, but it’s impossible when Arteta sees the teen as a genuine option to strengthen his attack. 

Dowman’s start to the season only portrays how ready he is to play at the highest level, which is quite fascinating.