Max Dowman has joined Wayne Rooney in an exclusive record club after scoring twice in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town.
The 16-year-old stole the show at Portman Road, opening the scoring after seven minutes before adding Arsenal’s third shortly after half-time.
According to ESPN’s breakdown of Dowman’s record-setting night, he has become only the second 16-year-old to score multiple goals in a match for a Premier League club, following Rooney for Everton in 2002.
It adds another remarkable achievement to Dowman’s rapidly growing Arsenal career.
Dowman joins Rooney after Ipswich double
Dowman had already become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history last season.
His performance against Ipswich showed why Mikel Arteta is now finding it increasingly difficult to keep the academy prospect away from senior football.
ReadArsenal covered Dowman’s two goals in Arsenal’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory, while Arteta has since promised the youngster further opportunities after his outstanding display.
The first goal was particularly impressive.
Dowman drove at the Ipswich defence before producing a composed finish, while his second arrived just two minutes after the restart.
TalkSPORT also highlighted Dowman’s place alongside Rooney, with Arteta praising the teenager’s quality while stressing Arsenal must carefully manage his development.
That balance will now become increasingly difficult.
Arsenal can protect Dowman from excessive expectations.
They cannot ignore performances like this.
Two goals, a place alongside Rooney and another Arsenal victory represented an extraordinary night for a player still only 16.
Comments.
Loading comments…