Max Dowman joins Wayne Rooney in rare Premier League feat after Ipswich brace
Max Dowman produced a memorable two-goal display against Ipswich to join Wayne Rooney in a rare record and further underline his growing importance at Arsenal.
Arsenal teenager Max Dowman continued his remarkable rise by matching Wayne Rooney’s rare record during the Gunners’ 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.
The 16-year-old was handed his first appearance of the season and wasted little time making an impression, opening the scoring after just seven minutes with an impressive solo effort before adding his second shortly after half-time.
His brace made Dowman only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a match for an English top-flight club, following Rooney’s achievement for Everton against Wrexham in the League Cup in 2002.
Dowman’s goals came during an impressive Arsenal display, with Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also finding the net as Mikel Arteta’s heavily rotated side secured their place in the fourth round.
Arteta has repeatedly stressed the importance of carefully managing Dowman’s development, but the youngster’s latest performance is likely to increase calls for more first-team opportunities.
The teenager also impressed with his movement and confidence throughout the match, giving Arsenal another glimpse of why he is regarded as one of the club’s most exciting academy prospects.
