Arsenal have jetted off to Dubai for some warm weather training and recuperation following their Carabao Cup semi final defeat to Newcastle.
It leaves the Arsenal first team squad without a game for an extended period of time and the focus at the club switches to the Arsenal academy sides, with the U21s and U18s both in action.
Arsenal U21s take on West Ham looking to build on their recent 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and lift them out of mid table obscurity.
The U18 side take on West Brom, Jack Wilshere sent a congratulatory message after their FA Youth Cup victory, which saw the Gunners edge out their rivals 2-1 at Motspur Park.
One Arsenal fan, who attended the game at Motspur Park, has given their verdict on the performance and a notable prospect who he believes ‘will eclipse Ethan Nwaneri.’
READ MORE: Five Arsenal stars who need to impress Mikel Arteta in Dubai including Max Dowman opportunity
An Arsenal fan’s verdict on FA Youth Cup win as Max Dowman shines
Arsenal Insider spoke to an Arsenal fan who was in attendance for the Youth Cup victory over Fulham and gave their thoughts on the overall performance.
The fan stated: “As expected, the team were very comfortable in possession and were not afraid to take the ball in pressure situations. Their movement was very fluid, especially in midfield and you could see that the full backs were also comfortable at taking the ball in midfield positions, replicating the style of Arteta.”
Max Dowman scored for Arsenal on the evening and also missed a penalty but the Arsenal fan has explained that the penalty disappointment should not take away from an exceptional performance.
The Arsenal fan stated: “For a 15-year-old he was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch, the way he glides with the ball at his feet, his vision and intelligence, he was always one step ahead of the rest of the lads. Physically he still has some development but this boy will eclipse even Ethan Nwaneri.”
Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are the latest Hale End graduates to break into Mikel Arteta’s first team squad and it may not be long until Dowman can add to that list.
Jack Porter joins Dowman on Arsenal mid-season break to Dubai
Max Dowman has joined the Arsenal Dubai squad alongside his Youth Cup team mate Jack Porter, who made his first team debut this season in the Carabao Cup.
The academy duo will be looking to gain valuable experience on the trip, as well as showcasing their ability as they look to make their mark.
Arsenal rate Dowman highly but are ensuring that they look after the young star both on and off the pitch as they are bringing along an Academy coach to help him settle and setting aside time for Dowman to continue his educational studies.
It may not be long however, until Arteta cannot hold the youngster back any longer, his integration into the first team on this Dubai trip is an early indication of that plan.
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