Dowman makes history as Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-2 to reach Carabao Cup fourth round

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road on Tuesday to secure a place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Dowman, making his first appearance of the season, opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Noni Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage nine minutes later.

The teenager then struck again shortly after half-time, putting Arsenal 3-0 ahead before Mikel Merino added a fourth in the 58th minute.

Ipswich pulled a goal back through Anis Mehmeti in the 62nd minute, while former Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom scored in stoppage time, but the hosts could not complete a comeback.

The victory extended Arsenal’s winning run at the start of the new campaign and secured their progression to the last 16 of the competition.

Dowman’s performance also placed him alongside former England and Everton forward Wayne Rooney in the record books.

According to Reuters, the Arsenal teenager became only the second 16-year-old in Premier League history to score twice in a match for a Premier League club, matching Rooney’s achievement in 2002.

Dowman produced his first goal after winning possession and driving towards the Ipswich defence before finishing past goalkeeper Christian Walton.

His second came shortly after the restart when he received the ball inside the area and calmly finished to restore Arsenal’s three-goal advantage.

The display was another notable moment in the young player’s rapid emergence at Arsenal, although manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of carefully managing his development.

Arteta described Dowman’s performance as “unbelievable” and praised his ability to produce decisive moments while also contributing to Arsenal’s work without the ball.

The Arsenal manager also cautioned that the teenager’s age means the club must carefully manage his workload and physical development.

Arteta said Dowman still has to adapt to the demands of senior football, particularly the physical and tactical requirements involved in playing regularly at the highest level.

Dowman was one of several young players given an opportunity as Arteta made nine changes to the side that defeated Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend. Seventeen-year-old Marli Salmon also made his first start of the season in central defence.

Arsenal established control of the match in the opening stages.

Dowman’s opener arrived after seven minutes, while Madueke’s goal in the 16th minute gave the visitors a 2-0 lead.

Arsenal continued to dominate after the interval, with Dowman scoring his second two minutes into the second half. Merino then made it 4-0 in the 58th minute with a finish from inside the area.

Ipswich responded through Mehmeti, who converted from close range, before Akpom scored in the first minute of stoppage time.

Despite the late goals, Arsenal held on comfortably to book their place in the fourth round.

The result also highlighted the depth of Arsenal’s squad and the opportunities being given to emerging players.

Dowman and Salmon were among the younger members of an Arsenal side that made significant changes for the cup tie, while experienced players were also involved to provide balance.

For Dowman, however, the evening was particularly significant. His two goals not only helped Arsenal progress but also added another entry to his growing list of achievements at the club.

Arsenal will now await the draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round, while attention turns back to the Premier League, with the club scheduled to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

For Ipswich, the defeat ends their run in the competition, with the Championship side now turning their attention to their league campaign.