Gabby Agbonlahor says Mikel Arteta recently did something that made him say ‘wow’

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Gabby Agbonlahor didn’t expect one thing to happen during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Club.

Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with three points, overcoming Athletic Club in Bilbao thanks to late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. 

Mikel Arteta’s substitutes made all the difference, but it was the Arsenal manager’s changes that shocked Agbonlahor during the contest. 

The Aston Villa icon expected to see one of Ethan Nwaneri or Max Dowman introduced, which never happened. 

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Gabby Agbonlahor was shocked by Mikel Arteta not using Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman vs Athletic Club

Dowman has impressed in Arsenal’s first team since his promotion from the academy, still being just 15 years old. 

Upon heading to Bilbao with the squad, Dowman could have made Champions League history by becoming the youngest ever player in the tournament, a record that the teen can still break. 

The 2009-born star was a topic of conversation when Agbonlahor discussed Arsenal’s win over Athletic Club on talkSPORT. 

“You think ‘wow’, Nwaneri can’t get on, Dowman can’t get on, even with so many players injured.” 

Agbonlahor was shocked that Arteta didn’t give any minutes to either Dowman or Nwaneri, insisting that there are now ‘no excuses’ for Arsenal to win major silverware based on how strong the squad is. 

“So now, there’s no excuses, it’s go time, win the Champions League or the Premier League.”

Arsenal’s bench has housed some insane depth since the 2025/26 season kicked off, with the Gunners looking at full force even without having Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba in recent weeks.

Dowman could leapfrog two Arsenal players in Champions League record books

It’s a case of when, not if, when it comes to Dowman featuring in the Champions League.

Yet to turn 16, which he will turn in December, the Englishman is on course to break the competition record if he features soon. 

It’s thought that the Arsenal academy product will break the English record in the Champions League with ease, having over 10 months to become England’s youngest ever player in the tournament. 

Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha joined the list when he debuted against Atletico Madrid, but Jack Wilshere is still top of the pile, being 16 years and 10 months old when he featured.

Former Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also on the list, sitting ahead of Jude Bellingham at present.

There are so many records waiting for Dowman to smash this season, with all eyes on whether Arteta gives the youngster freedom to roam at senior level.