Max Dowman produced a stunning two-goal display as Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The 16-year-old justified Mikel Arteta’s decision to start him by opening the scoring after only seven minutes before adding his second shortly after half-time.
Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino were also on target as a heavily rotated Arsenal side built a commanding four-goal advantage before Ipswich responded late through Anis Mehmeti and former Gunner Chuba Akpom.
It was a remarkable response from Dowman after Arteta insisted before the game that the academy prospect would receive opportunities but must earn his Arsenal minutes.
ReadArsenal covered Arteta’s clear message to Dowman before the Ipswich tie, and the teenager could hardly have produced a better answer.
Dowman steals show for Arsenal
Dowman opened the scoring with an outstanding individual effort before Madueke doubled Arsenal’s lead nine minutes later.
The winger controlled Merino’s clever pass before finishing into the bottom corner, leaving Ipswich with a mountain to climb.
Arsenal resumed control immediately after the interval.
Martín Zubimendi helped work the ball into Dowman’s path and the teenager calmly finished his second to make it 3-0 after 47 minutes.
Merino then curled Arsenal’s fourth into the net from the edge of the box in the 58th minute.
Mehmeti pulled one back four minutes later before Akpom added another consolation deep into stoppage time.
The late goals took some shine off Arsenal’s defensive display, but the tie had already been decided.
Supporters can revisit the confirmed Ipswich vs Arsenal line-ups and Ipswich vs Arsenal head-to-head record.
For Arsenal, though, the night belonged to Dowman.
Arteta promised him an opportunity.
He responded with two goals.
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