Arteta insists it is unlikely for Dowman to play regularly in the Premier League | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta said that Max Dowman “made the difference” in Arsenal’s win over Ipswich, but insisted it is unlikely a 16-year-old can play regularly in the Premier League

The winger scored twice as Arsenal won 4-2 to progress to the fourth round of the competition.

Dowman was not in Arteta’s squad for Arsenal’s win over Sunderland at the weekend and the manager was asked if the teenager will get more chances in the league.

Everything is possible,” he answered. “The probability is probably extremely low because you don’t see the players with the capacity to handle just the physicality of the game.

“Not only that, but the demands that you have to put your body through in the week to be able to be in a good condition to compete, the amount of information, the challenges that you have to face. But he’s doing it and he’s doing it really well every time there’s a chance.”

Despite that, Arteta was full of praise for the teenager after the match.

“Max was brilliant,” he said. “Some actions made the difference and were outstanding. We know the talent and we have to look after him. The environment around him is really good, so step by step.

“He is only 16 years old and we have to be careful. We don’t want to stop him, but we need to develop him. We’re fully aware of what he needs and he will have full opportunities to play.”

Aside from Dowman, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also found the net for Arsenal on the night in an impressive performance.

“I’m very happy with a lot of aspects,” Arteta explained “The way we played, to maintain the momentum, some individual performances were really good so in general a really good night.”