Mikel Arteta states Max Dowman’s participation with Arsenal is contingent on the match.
Mikel Arteta has indicated that Max Dowman may be poised for increased participation in Arsenal’s concluding matches after delivering an “almost impossible” performance against Everton on Saturday.
At merely 16 years and 73 days old, Dowman became the youngest player to score in Premier League history with the Gunners’ second goal in last weekend’s 2-0 victory, having also assisted the first.
This marked Dowman’s seventh senior appearance and only his third in the league, yet he played a crucial role in shifting the game in Arsenal’s favor, allowing them to extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points, especially after Manchester City’s draw with West Ham later that day.
The Gunners are set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of the Champions League round-of-16 on Tuesday, with the aggregate score currently tied at 1-1 following the first leg last week, before they meet City in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday.
When asked if Dowman was prepared for more consistent involvement, Arteta responded on Monday: “Yeah, regularly, depending on what you call regularly.”
“It depends on the match and his response; I believe his reaction has been very positive, and in terms of what we require in the game, there’s always a chance [he will play].
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“To achieve what he did in such a moment is very rare or almost impossible. He has accomplished it, and now in football, what you did a few days ago is no longer relevant; it’s about the next challenge.”
Martin Odegaard and Jurriën Timber are currently injured, although Arteta hinted that both might have a chance to play against City this weekend, while Leandro Trossard has recovered from a hip issue.
