Dowman scores twice as Arsenal beat Ipswich in League Cup

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman scored twice in a 4-2 League Cup victory over Ipswich Town on September 15, 2026, a performance that made him the second 16-year-old to score two goals in a single game for a Premier League club. The win extended Arsenal's perfect start to the season to six victories across all competitions. Dowman, making his first competitive start of the season, opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a solo effort. Noni Madueke doubled Arsenal's lead before Dowman added his second goal early in the second half. Mikel Merino scored a fourth for Arsenal, while Ipswich Town replied through Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom. The brace placed Dowman in select historical company. According to Arsenal, he became the second 16-year-old to score twice in a game for a Premier League club, following Wayne Rooney's feat for Everton in October 2002. Researcher Tom Ede noted that Dowman is the first player to score at least twice for Arsenal before turning 17. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Dowman's natural talent but emphasized the need for careful management. "He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious," Arteta said.