Dowman makes history as Arsenal beat Ipswich 4-2 in Carabao Cup

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Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road on Tuesday to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

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Dowman, making his first competitive start of the season, opened the scoring six minutes into the game before Noni Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage.

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The teenager struck again within 90 seconds of the second half to put Arsenal 3-0 ahead, before Mikel Merino added a fourth in the 56th minute.

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Ipswich responded through Anis Mehmeti in the 62nd minute, while former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom scored in stoppage time, but Arsenal held on to progress to the round of 16.

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Dowman’s first goal made him the third-youngest scorer in Carabao Cup history at 16 years and 258 days.

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Only former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers aged 16 years and 212 days, and Jack Wilshere, who scored at 16 years and 266 days, have previously scored younger in the competition.

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His second goal also placed Dowman in another select group. According to Arsenal, he became the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League club in all competitions, after Wayne Rooney achieved the feat for Everton in October 2002.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed another teenager, 17-year-old Marli Salmon, a starting role alongside Gabriel at centre-back, while Theo Julienne made his competitive debut as a second-half substitute.

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Arsenal will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break.

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