Mercurial Max Dowman makes a mockery of his opponents in Arsenal's 4-2 win at Ipswich: Star, 16, further stakes his claim for first-team place - Man United wantaway JJ Gabriel should take note, writes ISAAN KHAN

In the red half of Manchester, a 15-year-old child in JJ Gabriel is trying to force a way out of his club.

It's a markedly different story in the red portion of London, Max Dowman, 16, lighting up Portman Road to further bolster his case of regularly breaking into the Arsenal first team.

That is not a given, for the likes of World Cup winners Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi have yet to start in the Premier League this season, for example. Yet, Dowman is a mercurial talent, one who we'll see plenty of in the months ahead.

Having intercepted the ball in midfield, the teenager played a one-two pass with Eberechi Eze before sprightly running towards the box.

Ipswich Town's Cedric Kipre tried, and failed, to tackle the youngster while back-pedalling, before hitting the deck. Dowman reached the area before powerfully striking past goalkeeper Christian Walton on seven minutes with his weaker right foot.

The way he had embarrassed a burly 6ft 3in defender 13 years older than himself reflected what Dowman has done in his short senior career thus far: make a mockery of those much older than he.