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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises 'incredible' Max Dowman debut after teenager makes first Premier League appearance in win over Leeds United
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Published 23/08/2025 at 20:45 GMT+1
Mikel Arteta was pleased with his side's display on Saturday in the Premier League in their 5-0 victory over Leeds United, which took the north London side to the top of the table. Speaking after the win, the Spaniard picked out goalscorers Jurrien Timber and Viktor Gyokeres for praise, before celebrating the debut of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who won a late penalty for the side.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised an "incredible" debut from 15-year-old Max Dowman after his side’s 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday.
Dowman became the second-youngest Premier League debutant when he came on in the second half, at 15 years and 235 days old.
The only player ahead of him is his Arsenal team-mate Ethan Nwaneri, who came on at 15 years and 181 days in 2022.
The teenager had already announced himself with some assured performances in pre-season, and it was no surprise to see him come on during a comfortable victory at Emirates Stadium.
However, he was far from a bystander and made a decisive contribution when he won a penalty in the 93rd minute after a foul from Anton Stach.
Viktor Gyokeres converted the spot-kick for his second goal of the game. Defender Jurrien Timber also netted a brace, with Bukayo Saka scoring the other goal for The Gunners.
There was concern for Saka after the England star had to be substituted with what appeared to be a problem with his hamstring. Last season, Saka missed a little over three months, and 19 matches, with a hamstring injury.
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There were other fitness concerns for Arsenal, as Martin Odegaard also had to be taken off, which exacerbated a lack of attacking players available following the potentially serious injury to Kai Havertz, though new signing Eberechi Eze was announced to the crowd before kick-off.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta praised Gyokeres and Timber for their two goals each, before turning to debutants Cristhian Mosquera and Dowman.
He said: "Very happy for Viktor, scoring his first two goals, and Jurrien too for his two goals after such a long injury and hard work.
"Then the other debuts of Mosquera and Max at just 15 years old. That was special for sure."
Discussing Dowman in more detail, he said that his colleagues were already willing to trust him with the ball.
Arteta added: "We have to gather all the information. It's how he reacts and deals with the situation, what his team-mates think about him - which is clear, because they kept on passing him the ball.
"It is great to be able to change the energy in the stadium by bringing him in and he had an impact. He won a penalty on his debut at the Emirates. That's incredible.
"It's credit, first of all, to his family, the way these kids have been raised and the environment created. They are not overwhelmed by the environment and context.
"And the work of the academy, for helping to raise these kids in that manner with the confidence and understanding of the game at just 15 years old."
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The win leaves Arsenal top of the Premier League with six points after their win over Manchester United last weekend. Rivals Tottenham Hotspur are second, also with six points, behind on goal difference.
Arsenal's next match is on the road against last season's champions, Liverpool, on Sunday, August 31.
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