Dowman, 16, scores twice as Arsenal beat Ipswich in Carabao Cup

Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice and was man of the match as Arsenal beat Ipswich in the Carabao Cup third round.

The tie was played at Portman Road in Ipswich on 15 September 2026, with an 8:00pm kick-off. The Carabao Cup, England's midweek knockout cup, often brings heavy rotation. This was no different.

Dowman opened the scoring after seven minutes. It was a solo goal to put Arsenal ahead, and he added a second later in the night. Noni Madueke and stand-in captain Mikel Merino also scored for the visitors, according to The Guardian.

Ipswich did not roll over. Former Arsenal player Chuba Akpom scored their second goal to keep the tie alive. The hosts, managed by Gary O'Neil, had come into the game off a 3-2 Premier League win at Crystal Palace.

Both managers shuffled their packs. Arsenal and Ipswich made a combined 19 changes from their weekend Premier League wins. Jacob Greaves was the only Ipswich player to keep his place from the Palace victory.

Arsenal's side had a makeshift look. Martin Zubimendi, usually a midfielder, played at right-back. In central defence, 17-year-old Marli Salmon made only his second senior start alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

Dowman stole the show. At 16, he ran at defenders with balance and nerve. Manager Mikel Arteta compared him to Lionel Messi after the game.

What makes this stand out is the context around Dowman. He is related to Arsenal legend George Male, a link that ties the club's past to its present. He had already scored a solo goal for England Under-19s in their 6-0 win over Portugal earlier this year.

For fans, this means a new name to remember. Arsenal's win was their seventh win in seven games to start the season. The rhythm is strong. The squad looks deep.

Ipswich leave the cup with something too. They scored twice against the league leaders and tested a young back line. O'Neil's team can turn back to the league with confidence intact.