Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich 4-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, but Mikel Arteta has warned that the teenagers development must be managed carefully. The 16-year-old had made 13 appearances last season but had been restricted to substitute duties during the opening weeks of this campaign.He made his opportunity count at Portman Road, scoring two impressive goals to strengthen his case for further Premier League involvement.Dowmans first was a superb solo effort, as he drove through the Ipswich defence before finishing past the goalkeeper. His second showed his composure, with the youngster placing the ball into the bottom corner.Unbelievable, hes unpredictable, he can go either way, so fluid, so nice to watch, Arteta said.Despite Dowmans performance, Arteta stressed that Arsenal must not allow the excitement surrounding the youngster to dictate his development.He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious, the Arsenal manager said.We dont want to stop him, we dont want to put the brakes on him, we need to develop him and we are fully aware what he needs. He will have opportunities.Arteta added that Dowman was handling the demands of senior football increasingly well, while emphasising the importance of ensuring he is properly prepared whenever he is selected.Hes an unbelievable player because of the character that he has and how much he loves to play at the biggest stage, he said.Its not easy [to contain the hype], I understand, but what we have to do is look after him. Hes 16 years old. You dont see that in this league. Topics Arsenal F.C. Max Dowman Mikel Arteta Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal: Dowman at the double as Gunners ease into fourth round Nicholas McGee 15th September, 2026 Ipswich v Arsenal LIVE: Can Gunners maintain 100% record against Tractor Boys? Jon Fisher 15th September, 2026 Ipswich vs Arsenal live: Confirmed teams and full line ups Ben Miller 15th September, 2026 Ipswich v Arsenal: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Ben Miller 15th September, 2026 Arteta challenges Dowman to earn minutes after quiet start to new campaign Mitch Fretton 15th September, 2026 Arsenal boss Arteta let football down with weekend rant and damaged the game he claims to want to protect Jon Fisher 14th September, 2026
