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 in opposition to Villarreal.
England Underneath-17 worldwide Dowman has repeatedly made a swift impression instead 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 facet.
“He continues to impress, unquestionably,” mentioned Arteta. “The impression 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 in opposition to the Magpies.
He additionally scored a penalty within the shootout in opposition to Milan and confirmed toes 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 unattainable to depart him out of the matchday squad,” former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke informed Arsenal’s official channel after their first house pleasant.
“He’s going to need to be concerned from the bench. He delivered – he received the penalty with a stunning little Cruyff flip. He’s so constructive and fast.”
Arteta: Dowman ‘belief’ from staff
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 they usually give it to him. That tells you ways a lot they belief him and the connection he’s constructing inside the staff.
“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 sort 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 impression and have huge moments.”
Dowman, who already holds the age information 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 staff 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 charge that would rise to £64 million.
The 27-year-old had a quiet first half however did properly to check Villarreal’s beginning goalkeeper, Luiz Junior, from a decent 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 manner,” predicted Arteta, discussing how Gyokeres is adapting “mentally” and “understanding what he must do”.
“On his health stage, I believe he hasn’t skilled actually with [a] staff for 2 months, so he’s now finished 5 or 6 classes.”
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.
“Folks will say he didn’t contribute on his debut however I noticed the precise indicators that he’ll do properly. 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 on the lookout for these intelligent passes.”
Arteta echoed Clarke’s ideas. “Day-after-day in coaching, I believe he’s getting a very good feeling,” he mentioned.
“He’s getting connections, which is admittedly vital with gamers who’re going to assist him to get within the positions he must get in.”
Arsenal vs Villarreal end result ‘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 objectives by Nicolas Pepe and Karl Etta Eyong.
Christian Norgaard headed in his first Arsenal aim 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 “numerous 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’ve got to completely nail. We weren’t good in any respect in that division and that price 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 in opposition to the 2024/25 Europa League finalists is being proven reside within the UK on Sky Sports activities Premier League, Extremely and Principal 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.
