Mikel Arteta Hails Arsenal Teen Max Dowman as ‘Special’ After Brighton Win

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises 15-year-old Max Dowman after the Hale End graduate made history in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed teenage sensation Max Dowman as a “special” player after the 15-year-old made history in Arsenal’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The win underlined Arsenal’s strength in depth and the bright future emerging from Hale End.

Dowman became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter in a senior match, breaking the club’s previous record. Arteta made ten changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace, fielding a youthful lineup that delivered with confidence and composure.

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The match highlighted the brilliance of Arsenal’s academy graduates. Myles Lewis-Skelly initiated a superb team move with a driving run and a clever backheel from Mikel Merino, setting up Ethan Nwaneri to score the opener. Nwaneri, once Arsenal’s youngest debutant, impressed again with his poise and finishing.

Bukayo Saka Seals Arsenal’s Win

In the second half, Bukayo Saka came off the bench to make it 2-0. The England winger pounced on a rebound from a shot by debutant Andre Harriman-Annous, capping off a dominant Arsenal display.

The victory was another proud moment for Hale End, as three academy graduates directly contributed to the result, proving that Arsenal’s youth system is still one of the best in Europe.

Speaking after the match, Arteta was full of admiration for the young midfielder:

“He’s a very special player. What he’s doing at this age is remarkable,” said Arteta. “He’s composed, intelligent, and has the hunger we look for in top professionals.”

The Arsenal boss stressed that integrating academy stars into the first team remains central to his long-term vision, calling Dowman’s debut “a moment that defines our future.”

Arsenal’s Defensive Record Shines

The result extended Arsenal’s unbeaten streak and secured a sixth consecutive clean sheet — making them the first English top-flight side to win six matches in a single month without conceding a goal.

Arteta praised his squad’s defensive unity, noting how young players have seamlessly adapted to senior-level demands while maintaining the team’s trademark discipline.

Arteta’s faith in youth continues to pay off. The emergence of Dowman, Nwaneri, and Harriman-Annous highlights Arsenal’s long-term sustainability and depth. With Hale End thriving, Arsenal’s future looks secure — full of talent, hunger, and belief.

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