Arteta lauds ´special´ 15-year-old Dowman after impressive cameo

Mikel Arteta has hailed the impact of “special” 15-year-old Max Dowman after he once again impressed for Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.

Dowman came on against AC Milan in a 1-0 win last week, as he scored from the spot in a pre-arranged penalty shootout, before coming off the bench in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United in Singapore.

The teenager won a late penalty by drawing a foul from Joelinton, with Martin Odegaard netting the winner from it, while he also nearly scored a stunning solo goal following a brilliant run.

He had two shots overall, getting both of them on target as he attempted to make an impact in the final third.

Arteta urged his youngsters to fight for a place in the first-team squad for the coming season after the win over Milan, and he was delighted with Dowman’s performance on Sunday.

“Yeah, it is special,” Arteta told reporters.

Signing off in Singapore with a win pic.twitter.com/CNWvY2Rnau

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 27, 2025

“Obviously, what he’s done against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.

“I think again the environment that he’s around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time.”

Arsenal next face north London rivals Tottenham at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Thursday.