Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil expressed significant admiration for Arsenal following their 4-2 defeat in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday, September 15. The match, hosted at Ipswich, saw the Gunners demonstrate their depth as they secured a victory that maintained their perfect start to the 2026-27 season, marking seven wins out of seven across all competitions.
Match performance and lineup changes
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta rotated his squad heavily, making nine changes from the starting XI that secured a 2-0 Premier League win against Sunderland the previous weekend. Despite the alterations, the visitors took control early, with 16-year-old Max Dowman opening the scoring in the seventh minute. Noni Madueke doubled the advantage nine minutes later. Following the halftime break, Dowman netted his second of the night before Mikel Merino added a fourth goal. Ipswich eventually reduced the deficit through an Anis Mehmeti strike in the 62nd minute and a stoppage-time goal from Chuba Akpom, though the comeback fell short.
Historical significance of Dowman’s display
- Max Dowman’s brace marked a historic milestone, making him the only 16-year-old to score twice against a Premier League side in any competition since Wayne Rooney in 2002.
- Rooney famously achieved this feat for Everton against Wrexham in the EFL Cup 24 years ago.
- The teenager, who featured 13 times for the first team last season with one goal and one assist during the club’s successful Premier League campaign, received effusive praise from Arteta for his performance.
- Arsenal now shifts focus back to domestic league action as they prepare to visit Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19.
