Arsenal are in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta had no problem making wholesale changes to the Arsenal squad, who beat Fabian Hurzeler’s side to progress in the Carabao Cup.
Hurzeler spoke about Arsenal’s set-piece strength before the contest, but it was from open play that the Seagulls were stung, as Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka found the net.
While the two goal scorers played their part, it was another player who truly left Brighton spellbound, as once again, 15-year-old Max Dowman proved he’s ready for first-team action.
Max Dowman was so good against Brighton in the Carabao Cup
For the fourth time this season, Arteta handed Dowman minutes in the first team to showcase his brilliance.
Against Brighton, it was the first time that the Arsenal manager had named the teen in the starting XI, on what was a special night for the 2009-born star and his family.
As is so commonly the case with Dowman, it wasn’t only a night to remember due to hitting milestones, but also because of how much the starlet taunted Brighton.
Having spent 71 minutes on the pitch, the Hale End product completed more dribbles than any other player, was fouled more times than any other player and won more duels than any other player.
Arteta is already stunned by Dowman’s ability at such a young age, and his feelings might have intensified after the academy jewel’s untouchable display against Premier League opposition.
Dowman’s stats against Brighton tell the story of his talent
Given that Dowman has already been compared to Lionel Messi, Arsenal fans won’t be overly surprised by the level the 15-year-old produced against Brighton.
| Max Dowman vs Brighton |
| 34 touches |
| 8 attempted dribbles |
| 5 successful dribbles |
| 4 fouls drawn |
| 1 key pass |
| 9 duels won |
What arguably stood out most about the teen’s display was his duel-winning ability against players way beyond his years and experience at the top level.
Dowman has been working on his defensive contribution in the academy, and the results are paying off against some of the best in the business.
It was another five-star showing from Arsenal’s superstarlet, who took yet another opportunity presented to him.
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