Teenager Dowman scores twice as Arsenal beat Ipswich in Carabao Cup

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup third round at Portman Road on Tuesday night. The victory extended Arsenal's perfect start to the 2026-27 season to seven consecutive wins across all competitions. Dowman opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a solo effort, dribbling past a defender before finishing calmly. Noni Madueke doubled the lead in the 16th minute. Dowman added his second goal early in the second half, and Mikel Merino made it 4-0 before Ipswich scored through Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom in the final stages. The brace made Dowman the second 16-year-old to score twice in a single game for a Premier League club, following Wayne Rooney's feat for Everton in October 2002. He also became the first player to score at least twice for Arsenal before turning 17. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Dowman's performance, describing it as "unbelievable" and "incredible." Arteta highlighted the teenager's talent but stressed the need for careful management due to his age and the physical demands of the Premier League. "He is 16 years old and we have to be really cautious," Arteta said.