'He was unbelievable': Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star who won 8 duels vs Ipswich
Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season with a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup third round yesterday.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes from the 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland on the road last weekend.
Despite this, the Gunners were always fancied to beat the Tractor Boys, and they did so in convincing fashion at Portman Road.
Arsenal raced into a comfortable 4-0 lead before the hosts scored a couple of consolation goals.
Max Dowman was undoubtedly the star of the show. The teenager showed a fabulous solo goal to open the scoring for the Gunners.
He showed tremendous dribbling skills with both feet before scoring with his weaker right foot.
Shortly after the half-time interval, the 16-year-old made it 3-0. The Hale End graduate found the net at the far post from a tight angle.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said that ‘he was unbelievable’ and ‘really efficient’ on the night.
Arteta told Arsenal.com: “He [Dowman] was unbelievable again; some of the actions and connections that he can give us on the pitch are just a joy to watch.
“He was really efficient; he’s getting more and more active in action; he can sustain for longer periods, and we know the talent that we have.”
Dowman started as the attacking midfielder before moving on to the right wing after Martin Odegaard’s late introduction into the League Cup tie.
The youngster completed 92 percent of his passes, while winning an impressive eight duels. He also completed three take-ons with four recoveries.
It was a fabulous showing from the teenager, who made his first appearance of the season.
It remains to be seen whether the 16-year-old makes the matchday squad when the Gunners take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the league on Saturday.
Dowman has been in and out of the league squads this season, but he could be in contention, with a couple of more defenders doubtful for the South Coast trip.
Ben White sustained a groin injury against Sunderland, while Piero Hincapie was absent against Ipswich yesterday, having picked up a muscular issue in training.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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