Dowman shines in start for Arsenal u21s vs Crystal Palace

The Arsenal u21s received a boost ahead of their opening Premier League 2 game of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday, with the news that Max Dowman would be starting for the side.

Dowman had been in the first-team squad for the win over Coventry City the previous day, but having not featured in the match, he was available to represent the u21s.

It didn’t take long for the midfielder to have an influence in the u21 contest, as he created an early chance for Archie Stevens, flashed narrowly wide by the ex-Rangers winger.

Dowman then created further openings for Evan Mooney and Ife Ibrahim as the first half progressed, proving Arsenal’s primary creative threat.

But it was Palace who took the lead shortly after the half-time break, with Zavier Gozo converting in the 50th minute for 1-0.

Thankfully, Dowman’s influence continued to be pivotal, and after an expert touch to bring a long ball down, he slid a through ball into Andre Harriman-Annous’ path for the Arsenal striker to chip home an equalising goal 14 minutes later.

Arsenal continued to push for a winning goal, and Dowman had one of the best remaining chances with a powerful effort from distance that was tipped over the crossbar. But the Gunners ultimately had to settle for a draw.

Dowman will be pleased to have 90 minutes of match action under his belt, and he’ll hope to keep pushing for first-team minutes in the coming weeks.

Porter, Julienne, Salmon, Upson, Ogunnaike, Ibrahim, Stevens, O’Neill, Dowman, Mooney, Harriman-Annous

Clarke (for Upson, 46), Zecevic-John (for Mooney, 64), Washington (for Ogunnaike, 67), Sampang (for Julienne, 78), Ranson, Agustien