Max Dowman netted a brace as Arsenal claimed a dominant Carabao Cup third-round victory on the road against Ipswich Town. The 16-year-old was among two youngsters given their first starts of the campaign, with 17-year-old centre-back Marli Salmon also named in the starting line-up.
Dowman put Arsenal ahead in the seventh minute with a superb solo goal before Noni Madueke extended the lead. The teenager grabbed his second after the break, while Mikel Merino also got on the scoresheet as Arsenal advanced despite Ipswich netting twice late on.
Max Dowman catches the eye for Arsenal
Dowman made an instant impression at Portman Road, winning the ball in midfield before combining with Eberechi Eze. He then drove forward, leaving two Ipswich defenders trailing, and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Arsenal the advantage.
His second goal showcased a different aspect of his game. Dowman brought Martin Zubimendi’s pass under control inside the box before calmly rolling his finish into the far bottom corner. He was also involved in Arsenal’s fourth, letting the ball run through to Merino, who struck the inside of the post.
The display came after Mikel Arteta stated before the match that Dowman would receive his minutes but would need to earn them like everyone else. The teenager had made 13 appearances last season and became the youngest Premier League scorer ever when he found the net against Everton but had only been an unused substitute so far this campaign.
Carabao Cup victory sends Arsenal through
Arsenal’s second goal came when Merino lifted the ball over the top for Madueke, who finished with a powerful effort. Merino then added the fourth after the interval, firing against the inside of the post as Arsenal built a commanding lead.
Ipswich hit back with two goals, with Anis Mehmeti converting from Jack Clarke’s pass before Chuba Akpom produced a neat turn and finish. However, the comeback arrived too late to stop Arsenal from progressing to the fourth round.
Both sides made significant changes to their starting line-ups, with a combined 19 alterations from their respective Premier League fixtures at the weekend. Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the season and will discover their next opponent on Wednesday after Manchester United’s match against Brighton.
Ipswich Town unable to contain Dowman
Dowman’s two-goal performance also placed him in a notable group of young goalscorers. He became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a match for a Premier League side in any competition.
The only player to achieve the feat before him was Wayne Rooney, who scored two goals for Everton against Wrexham in the League Cup in 2002. Dowman’s showing against Ipswich therefore combined individual quality with a place in a small piece of League Cup history.
His first goal highlighted his skill and pace when attacking the Ipswich defence, while his second demonstrated his awareness inside the penalty area and ability to stay composed when presented with a chance.