Arteta delights in 'natural' skills of whizz-kid Dowman

Mikel Arteta hailed Max Dowman’s “special” performance after the 15-year-old prodigy became Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter in the 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup fourth round on Oct 29.

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Arsenal's Max Dowman winning high praise from his manager Mikel Arteta after giving a virtuoso performance in his first senior start on Oct 29. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS)

Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka scored in the second half at the Emirates Stadium as English Premier League leaders Arsenal earned a quarterfinal home meeting against Crystal Palace.

But it was Dowman, at 15 years and 302 days, who stole the show with a dazzling display that climaxed when he was given a standing ovation after coming off in the second half.

The young winger made the most dribbles and won the most fouls and duels as Arsenal registered their eighth straight victory in all competitions.

Gunners boss Arteta was delighted with Dowman’s composed performance, which belied his tender years, even if his shy response to being picked was more in keeping with someone still of school age.