“Bring the temperature down” on Max Dowman – Arteta | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta told the press and Arsenal supporters to “bring the temperature down” on 16-year-old prodigy Max Dowman, ahead of his side’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates.

Dowman, who is still yet to complete his GCSE exams, became the youngest scorer in English top flight history last Saturday as he raced past the final defender and travelled 40 yards before tapping into an empty net deep into stoppage time to beat Everton.

He also created the opportunity for Victor Gyökeres to tap home when his delightful cross was headed back across goal, ensuring the Gunners established a nine-point gap to chasers Manchester City – who themselves dropped points in their draw with West Ham.

With the teenager creating history and drawing the attention from all corners of the footballing world, and making a serious case to feature in their clash with Leverkusen this evening, Arteta demanded that the reaction is dialed down.

He said: “He is knocking on the door at 16, saying ‘I am good enough and I can impact this team whenever it is needed’. And he is doing it when he is playing.

“We just need to bring the temperature down and understand what is the best thing for this boy at his age.

“He’s doing something phenomenal. We all know that. Let’s keep it down a little bit and respect his nature to do what he has to do, which I’m sure is going to be something really good.”

While the ship has sailed to become the youngest player to score a goal in the Champions League, with Ansu Fati’s record of 16 years, one month and nine days old still intact, Dowman has undoubtedly showed the world just how good he is already.

Not only that, but where his level will be in two, four, or even 10 years’ time from now as well, with John Terry likening him to the great Lionel Messi.

Yet Arteta pleaded for what he believed to be the best environment for the youngster to develop, with the pressure to perform raised a completely different level on the biggest stage for clubs in Europe.

Arsenal’s clash with the 2023/24 German invincibles will be broadcast live on TNT Sports at 20:00 (GMT), with a full report, reaction, and analysis available on FromTheSpot.