Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has already criticised one part of Max Dowman’s play after he made his debut for Arsenal in the Premier League.
The 15-year-old has been around the senior side for a while now, having featured in training sessions under Mikel Arteta.
It took a little bit of time, but Dowman’s debut came during the second half in Arsenal’s thrashing of Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.
With the match largely wrapped up at 4-0 after an hour, the Hale End academy star was given his chance from the bench.
Dowman made quite the impact, looking bright before winning a penalty late on, which Viktor Gyokeres buried into the bottom corner.
However, it was in that moment in particular that Chris Sutton brought up a potential criticism of the youngster.
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Chris Sutton criticises Max Dowman’s fall for a penalty in Arsenal’s win over Leeds
There were plenty of positives to take from Max Dowman’s debut that can be worked on in the months ahead.
The Arsenal starlet looked bright for much of his appearance, competing relatively well on a physical level with those much older than him.
Despite that, and his well-won penalty, former striker Chris Sutton has questioned Dowman’s fall for the spot kick after the game.
Speaking on 606, he said: “No, I mean, impressive young player. I thought he went down a little bit too easily for the penalty.
“He may feature in the simulation game tomorrow. Didn’t think that was a pen.”
It may seem like a harsh criticism, given that there was contact on the boot from the Leeds defender in the box.
For both Dowman and the club as a whole, they’ll be thinking about what is next and how to block out the noise as they nurture him towards being a key player in the future.
What Mikel Arteta thought of Max Dowman’s Arsenal debut
It was a moment to remember for Dowman as he made his way onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium for his debut.
He joined the list of the youngest-ever Arsenal players as number two, only behind Ethan Nwaneri as the youngest during his debut against Brentford.
For Mikel Arteta, it seemed to be a proud moment as he told the press after the match: “I think we just gathered information about how he handles certain situations in terms of training, being in the squad and not being selected afterwards in Manchester, coming on the bench and feeling ready.
“But again, a big compliment to his family. As well, I think they’ve raised a kid with a level of maturity, stability and hunger that is very difficult to see.
“And obviously, to the academy. Credit to all the coaches involved in that journey. Because there is a kid here that has zero hesitation.
“He’s so convinced that he can go at 15 and deliver that, which I’ve never witnessed in my life. And for us, it brings joy, it brings emotion and something else that makes our jobs so great.”
There’s some hope that is just the start for Dowman, but there is plenty of work still to be done if he is to reach the very top.
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