Max Dowman joins Wayne Rooney’s elite club as Arteta hails Arsenal teen

Sixteen‑year‑old Max Dowman became only the second teenager to net a brace for a Premier League side, putting him alongside Wayne Rooney, after his two goals helped Arsenal to a 4‑2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich on Tuesday. Mikel Arteta called the display “silk” and a joy to watch.

Dowman opened the scoring after just six minutes, collecting the ball midway in the Ipswich half and cutting inside to beat defender Cedric Kipre before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. His solo effort gave Arsenal the lead and set the tone as manager Mikel Arteta fielded a host of fringe players for the cup tie. Noni Madueke doubled the advantage before half‑time, confirming the Gunners’ dominance in the first half.

Second‑half fireworks

After the interval Dowman struck again, finding the net shortly after Noni Madueke’s earlier goal to restore the two‑goal cushion. Mikel Merino then completed the scoring spree, making it 4‑0 before the Tractor Boys rallied with two late goals to finish 4‑2.

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The 4‑2 victory secured Arsenal’s safe passage into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. It also marked the Gunners’ seventh consecutive win across all competitions this season.

Arteta praised the teenager, describing his play as “silk” and “unbelievable”, adding that watching him was a joy. He also warned that, at 16, the club must be cautious with Dowman’s development and not rush his progression.

With his brace, Dowman joins Wayne Rooney as the only 16‑year‑olds to score two goals for a Premier League side in any competition, Rooney having done so for Everton against Wrexham in October 2002. Dowman now has three goals in 14 senior appearances for Arsenal, and he remains the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer after his strike against Everton last season. A Getty photograph captured the moment his teammates mobbed him on the Portman Road terrace.