In a class of his own: Dowman dazzles as Arsenal U21s draw with Crystal Palace

Highly-rated teenager Max Dowman played a key role as Arsenal U21s secured a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at the Mangata Developments Stadium in their Premier League 2 opening game on Saturday.

Dowman was an unused substitute during the first team’s 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday and was therefore fresh enough for this encounter.

The 16-year-old almost set up the opening goal when he picked out Andre Harriman-Annous with a brilliant pass, but Palace goalkeeper, Harry Lee, quickly came off his line to clear the ball.

Dowman also created Arsenal’s next chance, finding Archie Stevens who drove into the box, before firing his effort wide.

He was involved again as Arsenal continued to dominate possession. He cut the ball back to Ife Ibrahim, but the midfielder could not keep his attempt down.

Palace eventually grew into the contest, creating two chances in quick succession. Joel Drakes-Thomas fired wide, before Caleb Kporha dragged his effort narrowly past the far post.

Harriman-Annous came the closest to finding the opener before halftime, but his shot was deflected over for a corner.

Five minutes after the interval, Palace took the lead. A ball over the top found Adler Nascimento, who squared it to Zavier Gozo to tap into an empty net.

Dowman then orchestrated the Gunners’ equaliser, threading a ball through to Harriman-Annous. The striker dinked the ball brilliantly over the goalkeeper and into the net.

The assist was Dowman’s first in the Premier League 2. He now has two goals and one assist in five games in the competition.

The England youth international almost scored the winning goal, but his strike was tipped over by the Palace goalkeeper.

Arsenal U21s will travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their next league game on August 31.

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