Dowman Gets early goal as Arsenal Players Rated in dominant win

Arsenal's 4‑2 victory at Portman Road saw them advance to the EFL Cup round of 16, with 16‑year‑old Max Dowman scoring twice and Noni Madueke adding the second goal, confirming a dominant win vs Ipswich Town. The early strikes in the seventh and sixteenth minutes set the tone for the Gunnners.

Early dominance sets the tone

The Gunnners made a quick start, getting ahead in the seventh minute when Max Dowman found the net. Noni Madueke doubled the lead in the sixteenth minute, and Mikel Arteta’s side went into the half‑time break 2‑0 up.

Second‑half surge adds further goals

Dowman struck again in the 47th minute, restoring his tally to two. Mikel Merino added a goal in the 58th minute, only for Ipswich’s Anis Mehmeti to reply four minutes later. Chuba Akpom sealed the win with a injury‑time goal, confirming a 4‑2 result.

Arsenal weigh January loan for Noni Madueke as contract clause looms

Player ratings showed Gabriel at 7/10, Marli Salmon also 7/10, and Mikel Merino an 8/10 for his influence at both ends. Max Dowman earned a 9/10 for causing problems and scoring twice, while Noni Madueke received an 8/10 for his dangerous runs and goal.

Despite his youth, the 16‑year‑old is already in his second professional season with Arsenal, having made 13 appearances and scored once in 2025/26. This match marked his first time netting a brace for the first team.

With the win, Arsenal move into the EFL Cup round of 16, the next opponent to be decided by draw. The team, currently leading the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, return to league action on Saturday against Brighton.