Arsenal prodigy Dowman equals Rooney record with Carabao double
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Max Dowman matched a milestone previously set by Wayne Rooney by becoming only the second 16-year-old representing a Premier League side to tally a multi-goal performance, netting twice during Arsenal's 4-2 League Cup victory over Ipswich Town. Rooney initially set the benchmark for Everton against Wrexham in October 2002.
Having featured for the under-21 team just three days prior following four matches on the senior bench, Dowman opened the scoring seven minutes into his seasonal debut by intercepting possession, combining with Eberechi Eze, beating Cedric Kipre, and finishing into the bottom corner. A mere 98 seconds into the second half, the teenager doubled his tally by steering Martín Zubimendi's deflected delivery inside the far post with his left foot.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of dampening expectations surrounding the youngster, who previously became the youngest starter in Premier League history against Crystal Palace and contributed a goal and assist against Everton during the Gunners' title-winning campaign. Arteta emphasized that Dowman must consistently earn his playing time while the club manages his development against the physical rigors of English football.
The manager lauded the attacker's defensive commitment, endurance over 90 minutes, and composure on major stages as rare traits for a player of his age.
