Max Dowman sent an exciting new message to Arsenal fans following his record-breaking night in the Carabao Cup.
The Gunners wonderkid stole the headlines in the last-16 tie against Brighton on Wednesday evening, making his first start in senior football aged just 15 years and 302 days.
Dowman’s selection from the off by manager Mikel Arteta made him the youngest player ever to start a first-team match for Arsenal, following three previous substitute appearances earlier this season.
And he took full advantage of the opportunity, showcasing his significant talent and potential with a fine display out wide as arguably the hosts’ most impressive player on the night.
Dowman embarked upon a number of eye-catching runs throughout the game as much-changed Arsenal rallied to respond to a below-par first-half performance that saw them fail to register a single shot on target and give up a number of chances, with fellow Hale End Academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka both scoring in a 2-0 victory that set up an all-London quarter-final visit from Crystal Palace in December.
The teenager - who recently agreed scholarship terms with Arsenal - received a standing ovation from an adoring Emirates Stadium crowd and a warm embrace from Arteta as he was replaced by Saka with just under 20 minutes to play.
Taking to social media after his first senior start, Dowman wrote on Instagram: “More to come. Grateful,” in a post accompanied by a heart emoji.
Dowman was seen with ice strapped to his left thigh as he walked around the pitch following the win over Brighton, though Arsenal boss Arteta was not asked about any potential injury after a game in which the player was fouled plenty as the visitors tried to negate his obvious threat.
Dowman was not the only Gunners youngster to have hit a memorable milestone on Wednesday night, with Arteta springing something of a selection surprise by also naming Andre Harriman-Annous in his starting lineup as one of 10 changes from Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Palace in the Premier League.
It was a first appearance of any kind in senior football for the 17-year-old forward, who also did well in a tireless performance against Brighton’s three centre-backs.
“What a night,” Harriman-Annous wrote on Instagram. “A dream come true to start for Arsenal and a proud moment for me and my family to have made my competitive debut for this amazing club.
“Thanks to God for the opportunity that he has given me. Forever grateful for this opportunity and happy to be in the next round.”
