Max Dowman has given Arsenal something to seriously worry about after Liverpool defeat

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Max Dowman has given Mikel Arteta a lot to think about after Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool.

Very few expected to see Dowman introduced for his second Premier League appearance. 

The 15-year-old was introduced for his competitive Arsenal debut against Leeds United and impressed enough for Arteta to call him into action at Anfield. 

Dowman has a Lionel Messi-like talent at such a young age, but early into the season, one thing about the teenager is becoming a concern. 

• READ MORE: Simon Jordan says Mikel Arteta is already getting something wrong with Max Dowman at Arsenal

Max Dowman was Arsenal’s brightest spark against Liverpool

Arsenal want to keep Dowman’s talent under the radar to avoid putting pressure on him so early into his career, but it’s quickly becoming clear that such can’t be avoided. 

Against Liverpool, the 2009-born ace did something that neither of Arsenal’s starting wingers could do, which was to take on his man more than once.

Given that Dowman played only ten minutes of the contest, the teen attempted two dribbles, which was more than Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli combined. 

The Arsenal academy product also had more touches in the opposition box than Martinelli did, despite playing 60 minutes less than the Brazilian.

With Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri on the bench, it was Dowman that Arteta looked at to bring the magic, which he did, but it comes with pros and cons.

It’s positive for Dowman, who clearly has a pathway into regular senior football, but it’s equally a worry for Arsenal that a 15-year-old was the brightest spark in Arteta’s attack at Anfield.

Arsenal are lacking that fearless edge

Dowman’s raw ability is staggering and a reminder that Arsenal can be fearless without being careless.

A 15-year-old schoolboy is merely playing the game without tactical constraints or expectation, two things that Martinelli and Madueke are shackled by to some extent. 

Arteta has made Arsenal title contenders by being so tactically astute, but it undoubtedly hinders the Gunners from playing intricately and directly in the final third. 

The bottom line is that Dowman made the difference in the latter stages of the game, showing that, at this moment, he’s one of Arteta’s better options to bring into fixtures where Arsenal need some creativity.