Photo via Sky Sports

What next for Arsenal prodigy Dowman after latest statement display?

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman produced an eye-catching display by scoring two goals in Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Ipswich in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The teenager put the Gunners ahead after only seven minutes, winning a loose ball ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, leaving Cedric Kipre stranded on the turf, and wrong-footing goalkeeper Christian Walton with a right-footed finish.

He later extended Arsenal's advantage to three by deftly controlling a deflected Martin Zubimendi feed that touched Jacob Greaves's arm, slotting home a delicate left-footed strike.

Dowman had previously earned distinction last season as the youngest player to score in Premier League history during a 2-0 victory against Everton, yet he has been utilized sparingly since, making six appearances primarily from the bench while remaining an unused substitute in four matches this campaign. Mikel Arteta, who noted that Dowman needed to earn playing time following a 60-minute outing in the under-21s' 4-1 loss to last weekend while the senior squad defeated Sunderland, emphasized after the Ipswich clash that the club must carefully safeguard the youngster given the intense physical demands of English football.