By Dorcas Francis Koji
Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman made history as Arsenal secured a 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday to book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Dowman, making his first competitive start of the season, announced himself in style by opening the scoring just six minutes into the encounter.
Noni Madueke then doubled Arsenal’s advantage before the teenager struck again within 90 seconds of the restart to put the visitors 3-0 ahead.
Mikel Merino added Arsenal’s fourth goal in the 56th minute as Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to have the tie firmly under control.
Ipswich refused to surrender, however, with Anis Mehmeti pulling one back in the 62nd minute before former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom scored in stoppage time.
The late response proved insufficient as Arsenal held on to progress to the round of 16.
Dowman’s opening goal also etched his name into the Carabao Cup record books. At 16 years and 258 days, the Arsenal youngster became the third-youngest scorer in the competition’s history.
Only Cesc Fabregas, who scored for Arsenal against Wolverhampton Wanderers at 16 years and 212 days, and Jack Wilshere, who found the net at 16 years and 266 days, had previously scored at a younger age.
Dowman’s second goal placed him in another exclusive group. Arsenal confirmed that he became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a match for a Premier League club in all competitions, following Wayne Rooney’s achievement for Everton in October 2002.
Arteta also handed opportunities to other young players during the cup tie, with 17-year-old Marli Salmon making his first start alongside Gabriel in central defence.
Theo Julienne was also introduced as a second-half substitute to make his competitive debut for the Gunners.
The victory keeps Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign alive as they advance to the fourth round, while Ipswich’s involvement in the competition comes to an end.
Arsenal will now turn their attention back to the Premier League when they travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday before the international break.
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