What next for 'generational' talent Dowman after latest statement display?

Max Dowman produced a standout display by scoring two goals in Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Ipswich in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The 16-year-old opened the scoring in the seventh minute by winning back possession, beating Cedric Kipre to put the defender on the turf, and wrong-footing Christian Walton with his right boot.

Later, he controlled a ricochet from a Martin Zubimendi pass that struck Jacob Greaves's arm, calmly finishing with his left foot to extend the lead while high-profile forward Viktor Gyokeres failed to convert his own chances.

This explosive cup outing followed a weekend where Dowman logged sixty minutes for the under-21 squad during a 4-1 loss against Chelsea, while the senior group secured a victory at Sunderland. Mikel Arteta, who previously saw Dowman become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during a 2-0 home victory against Everton, emphasized the need to safeguard the teenager.

Arteta noted that Dowman must consistently earn his playing time, having featured just six times mostly in cameo appearances and sitting as an unused substitute across four matches earlier this campaign.