Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta says 15-year-old Max Dowman “deserves to have possibilities” after the attacking midfielder once more pressed his claims to play within the Premier League with a formidable cameo towards Villarreal.
England Below-17 worldwide Dowman has repeatedly made a swift influence in its place throughout pre-season, going near scoring on a number of events and profitable a second penalty in three video games after changing Bukayo Saka within the 63rd minute of the 3-2 home defeat to the Spanish aspect.
“He continues to impress, indisputably,” mentioned Arteta. “The influence he had within the recreation once more, the effectivity that he exhibits in each assault and motion – it’s unimaginable.
“He deserves to have possibilities and if he continues like this, let’s see what occurs.”
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Max Dowman: Arsenal’s Premier League newcomer?
Dowman shone throughout Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Milan and examined Newcastle goalkeepers Nick Pope and John Ruddy earlier than being pushed over by Joelinton to earn Martin Odegaard’s decisive 86th-minute spot kick towards the Magpies.
He additionally scored a penalty within the shootout towards Milan and confirmed ft too fast for Villarreal’s Pau Navarro, once more profitable a spot kick that was transformed by Odegaard.
“It’s attending to the purpose the place it’s going to be not possible to depart him out of the matchday squad,” former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke instructed Arsenal’s official channel after their first dwelling pleasant.
“He’s going to need to be concerned from the bench. He delivered – he gained the penalty with a stunning little Cruyff flip. He’s so constructive and fast.”
Arteta: Dowman ‘belief’ from crew
Arteta mentioned Dowman will “have a break” over “the subsequent few days”. “He hasn’t had any holidays actually,” defined the Spaniard, likening Dowman to 18-year-old breakthrough winger Ethan Nwaneri.
“The response [of the players] could be very clear. They’ve the ball and so they give it to him. That tells you the way a lot they belief him and the connection he’s constructing throughout the crew.
“There’s nothing higher than that confidence they present [in him] to make issues occur and the fixed connection they’ve with him.
“Even final 12 months when he was coaching with us, he was doing this type of factor in coaching. Now he’s doing it within the recreation constantly.
“Within the three or 4 video games that he’s performed, he’s managed to influence and have huge moments.”
Dowman, who already holds the age data for the youngest Premier League 2 participant and Uefa Youth League scorer, might be Arsenal’s second-youngest ever debutant behind Nwaneri if he options for the primary crew earlier than mid-March.
7. Max Dowman turns into the youngest goalscorer in UEFA Youth League historical past. pic.twitter.com/jjrqbdQ4Vr
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 30, 2024
Viktor Gyokeres: Arsenal constructing health
Arteta handed a primary begin to Viktor Gyokeres, who Arsenal hope will reply their want for a prolific striker after becoming a member of from Sporting in July for a payment that would rise to £64 million.
The 27-year-old had a quiet first half however did nicely to check Villarreal’s beginning goalkeeper, Luiz Junior, from a good angle after being performed in by Mikel Merino shortly earlier than the Sweden worldwide was changed.
“He might be 100% or extra as a result of he’s so prepared and assured that he can ship in a constructive method,” predicted Arteta, discussing how Gyokeres is adapting “mentally” and “understanding what he must do”.
“On his health stage, I feel he hasn’t skilled actually with [a] crew for 2 months, so he’s now finished 5 – 6 periods.”
Arsenal host Athletic Bilbao on Saturday (17:00 BST / 12:00 ET / 09:00 ET), when Arteta mentioned Gyokeres “will take one other step and be in a greater situation”.
Gyokeres ‘didn’t get service’ from Arsenal
Clarke mentioned he “felt a bit” for Gyokeres due to Arsenal’s acquainted issues with creating possibilities.
“He labored arduous and pressed arduous however didn’t get the sort of service we’d like,” mentioned Clarke. “There was a second when [Gabriel] Martinelli wanted to play him in however waited too lengthy.
“These connections will enhance. It was a stunning slip go from Merino and [Gyokeres] hit it from the angle fairly magnificently.
“Individuals will say he didn’t contribute on his debut however I noticed the proper indicators that he’ll do nicely. It’s a pity that Gyokeres didn’t get to play with Odegaard [as a result of substitutions], as a result of he’s at all times searching for these intelligent passes.”
Arteta echoed Clarke’s ideas. “Each day in coaching, I feel he’s getting a very good feeling,” he mentioned.
“He’s getting connections, which is basically necessary with gamers who’re going to assist him to get within the positions he must get in.”
Arsenal vs Villarreal outcome ‘painful’
Arsenal have now misplaced twice in six days following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in Hong Kong final Thursday, with Villarreal scoring early targets via Nicolas Pepe and Karl Etta Eyong.
Christian Norgaard headed in his first Arsenal purpose however Arnaut Danjuma’s second-half strike on the break meant Odegaard’s penalty was not redemptive.
“The result’s painful,” rued Arteta, who was “very completely satisfied” with “plenty of issues”. “[Villarreal] have been tremendous environment friendly however we’ve been naive – particularly the best way we defended in open areas.
“That’s one thing that, particularly with the best way we play, we have now to completely nail. We weren’t good in any respect in that division and that value us the sport, for positive.”
When does Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League season begin?
The primary spherical of Premier League matches in 2025/26 might be on the weekend of August 16 2025, together with Arsenal’s journey to Manchester United on Sunday, August 17 at 16:30 BST.
The sport towards the 2024/25 Europa League finalists is being proven reside within the UK on Sky Sports activities Premier League, Extremely and Major Occasion.
The final spherical of matches this season will all begin on the similar time on Could 24 2026. No rounds will happen inside 60 hours of one another and there might be no fixture on December 24.
