Arsenal’s Dowman shares message after ‘incredible’ debut

Max Dowman shared a message with the fans after his Arsenal debut on Saturday, with Mikel Arteta praising the youngster’s ‘incredible’ impact.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Max Dowman made his official competitive debut for Arsenal against Leeds United on Saturday, coming on as a substitute and winning a penalty in the Gunners’ 5-0 victory.

Dowman had already represented the club a few times in pre-season, also winning two penalties during those cameo appearances. But this was his first opportunity in a genuine Premier League encounter, and he didn’t disappoint.

The 15-year-old shared a message on Instagram afterwards, saying: “Premier league debut in front of all of you at the Emirates. A proud day for me and my family. This is just the beginning!”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta was clearly impressed with the debutant, speaking to Sky Sports after the match.

“I think we have to gather all the information (to assess what’s next for Dowman), and it’s how he reacts, how he deals with that situation,” Arteta began.

“And what his teammates feel about him, and it’s very clear, because they constantly give him the ball. Then we have the ability as well to change the energy in this stadium by bringing him in.

“Then he has an impact, he wins a penalty in his debut at the Emirates, that’s incredible.”

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Dowman isn’t quite Arsenal’s youngster debutant, given Ethan Nwaneri was a little younger when he made his first appearance. But Nwaneri’s first game was only a few minutes, whereas this was half an hour.

To be having such an impact on the game at that age is also unprecedented, with Arteta admitting as much.

“Incredible, I think that’s credit first of all to the families, the way these kids have been raised and the environment they have created,” Arteta said. “They’re not overwhelmed by the situation, by the context, a lot of courage, a lot of determination.

“Then the academy as well, the work that they’ve done to raise those kids in that manner with that confidence and then with an understanding of the game, which is very unusual at 15.”