Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road on Tuesday. The result sent Arsenal into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Dowman made his first competitive start of the season and opened the scoring in the seventh minute. He received the ball, exchanged passes with Eberechi Eze, then danced past Ipswich defender Cedric Kipre before firing into the bottom corner.
Noni Madueke then doubled the lead in the 16th minute. Arsenal controlled the first half and headed into the break with a 2-0 advantage.
The second half began with another Dowman goal. Just 98 seconds after the restart he controlled a deflected pass from Martin Zubimendi and slotted the ball home with his left foot to make it 3-0.
Mikel Merino added a fourth goal in the 58th minute. He rifled a left-footed shot that went in off the post after Dowman let a pass roll into his path.
Ipswich responded through Anis Mehmeti in the 62nd minute. Former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom scored in stoppage time, but Arsenal held on to progress.
Dowman’s first goal made him the third-youngest scorer in Carabao Cup history at 16 years and 258 days. Only Cesc Fabregas, who scored at 16 years and 212 days, and Jack Wilshere had previously scored younger in the competition.
His second goal also placed him in a select company. According to Arsenal, he became the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League club in all competitions after Wayne Rooney achieved the feat for Everton in October 2002.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed another teenager, 17-year-old Marli Salmon, a starting role alongside Gabriel at centre-back. Theo Julienne made his competitive debut as a second-half substitute. Arsenal extended their winning start to the season across all competitions.
