Arsenal’s 16-year-old talent Max Dowman scored two goals in the team’s 4-2 League Cup win over Ipswich Town. This victory keeps Arsenal unbeaten this season, with the club now having won all six games across all competitions. Dowman opened the scoring with a clever move that showcased his footwork, and he added another goal shortly after halftime to make it 3-0. His performance made him only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a single match for a Premier League club. Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the League Cup with the victory.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Dowman’s abilities and said that “everything is possible” for the youngster. Arteta noted that Dowman can create chances naturally, but doing so consistently through an entire game is rare at this level, according to a report from The Sporting News. He also mentioned how difficult it is to keep up with the demands of the Premier League while being so young. Arteta emphasized that Dowman’s actions on the pitch are not just about speed or skill, but also about how he behaves and prepares every day.
The youngster had previously scored in a Premier League match and later became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League game. Before Tuesday’s match, Arteta had warned Dowman that he needed to earn his playing time this season. Dowman made an immediate impact in his first appearance of the season, scoring a solo goal seven minutes in. His second goal came just 98 seconds after halftime, following a deflected pass from Zubimendi and ending with a left-footed finish.
Other Arsenal players also found the net, with Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino scoring. Ipswich managed to score late goals through Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom. Arteta made nine changes from the Arsenal team that beat Sunderland in the Premier League.
This win marks Arsenal’s sixth straight victory in all competitions this season. Dowman became the second 16-year-old to score multiple goals for a Premier League club after Wayne Rooney’s performance in 2002. Rooney scored twice for Everton against Wrexham in a League Cup match. Last season, Dowman had scored and assisted during a key match against Everton that helped Arsenal win the Premier League title. He had been on the sidelines this season before playing in the under-21s last weekend.
Arteta said that Dowman’s talent is evident, but managing expectations and ensuring he fits into the team’s system is important. The manager added that while it’s not easy to handle the attention around such a young star, the club must support him properly. Dowman’s performance shows he can compete with top-level players despite his age. Arteta also praised his willingness to work without the ball, and Dowman regained possession two minutes after scoring his second goal.
The club’s strong start this season reflects its depth and growing strength under Arteta’s leadership.
IMAGE: max dowman. Photo: Chensiyuan / Wikimedia, taken 2025-07-23, CC BY-SA 4.0