Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup round of 16 with a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town, inspired by a brace from 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman.
Arsenal’s prized academy gem Max Dowman marked his first minutes of the season in style, bagging a brace that, alongside strikes from Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino, saw off the ‘Tractors’ and kept the Gunners firmly in the hunt for another piece of silverware.
The 16-year-old broke the deadlock inside seven minutes with a scintillating solo run, drifting past the last defender before lashing past the goalkeeper. It was a breathtaking goal that highlighted Dowman’s boldness and dribbling ability. Shortly afterwards, Madueke, who has seen scarce playing time this season, pounced on a gift from the Ipswich Town goalkeeper trying to play out from the back, volleying home to make it 0-2 and virtually put the tie to bed.
Leaving no room for doubt in the second half, Martin Zubimendi turned provider for Dowman, who stroked home with the inside of his boot to seal his brace and become only the second player in history to score twice for a Premier League club in any competition, matching Wayne Rooney with Everton.
A crisp left-footed strike from Merino tucked inside the post capped the victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, who, despite conceding two late consolation goals, marched comfortably into the round of 16 of the cup competition.