Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup, but Mikel Arteta warned the club must manage the 16-year-old carefully.
Dowman played all 90 minutes at Portman Road after starting the season on the bench. His performance could increase calls for more Premier League minutes, yet Arteta stressed that Arsenal must control his workload and development.
“He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious,” Arteta said.
“We don’t want to stop him, we don’t want to put the brakes on him, we need to develop him and we are fully aware what he needs. He will have opportunities.”
Dowman opened his account with a superb solo run. He drove through the defence, left defenders on the floor and calmly finished.
Arteta praised the teenager’s unpredictability and ability to attack defenders from either side.
“Unbelievable, he’s unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch,” he said.
Dowman then showed composure for his second, placing the ball into the bottom corner.
The double made him only the second 16-year-old to score twice for a Premier League side in any competition. Wayne Rooney previously achieved the feat for Everton against Wrexham in the League Cup in 2002.
Arteta believes Dowman has handled Arsenal’s demands increasingly well. However, he wants the club to select the right moments for the youngster.
“We really need to make sure every time we throw him in, he’s in the right context with the right preparation,” Arteta said.
Dowman broke several age records last season. He became the youngest player to appear in the Champions League and Arsenal’s youngest starter. He also became the Premier League’s youngest starter, goalscorer and title winner.
He made 13 appearances across competitions and scored once, against Everton during Arsenal’s title run-in. That goal later won the club’s Goal of the Season award.
Jamie Redknapp also urged patience. “Just give him time and how they are handling him is perfect,” the former England midfielder said.
Arsenal have won all seven games this season across four competitions. Dowman had remained an unused substitute in four matches before starting against Ipswich.
Mikel Merino believes the teenager can become a star but still needs tactical coaching.
“He’s just 16 so he needs a lot of coaching, especially tactically,” Merino told BBC Radio 5 Live.
