Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal teen Max Dowman over discipline after red card

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned teenage prodigy Max Dowman that he must get used to the physical realities of elite football after the club failed to overturn his three-match ban.

The 16-year-old was sent off during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss against League Two side Fleetwood Town following his reaction to a heavy tackle from Harrison Neal. An independent panel rejected Arsenal’s appeal against the violent conduct charge, confirming the suspension.

Disneyland warning and rising expectations

The dismissal marked Dowman’s second red card of the month after he was also sent off representing England’s Under-19s against the United States. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the league trip to Liverpool, Arteta defended his fiery touchline exchange with the youngster after the sending-off.

Addressing the strict standards expected at the top, Arteta made it clear that youth will not excuse improper reactions on the pitch.

Speaking to ESPN, Arteta said:

“This is the environment and this is the reality. Otherwise, we are in Disneyland. We are not in Disneyland. We are in the Premier League at this level and we look after him so much that you cannot imagine. But at the same time, we’re going to demand him like anybody else because he needs to earn the right to play.”

Despite his frustration with the teenager’s reaction, Arteta expressed deep disappointment that the official panel chose not to rescind the red card given the heavy nature of the initial challenge.

Speaking to ESPN, Arteta added:

“Very disappointed, to be fair. Especially with the reckless tackles that he received, and then his reaction is minimal in relation to the action. Disappointed that it’s not been overturned after looking at the action back, to be fair.”

Learning to handle physical targetting

Dowman has enjoyed a record-breaking rise into the North London side’s first team, becoming the youngest player to feature and score in the Premier League, as well as the youngest to play in the Champions League. However, Arteta believes opposing players will continuously test the teenager’s patience because of his obvious ability.

The Spaniard noted that gifted attackers face rough treatment from an early age, but insistence remains that self-control must be learned quickly to survive at senior level.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror about their face-to-face training ground discussions, Arteta said:

“So don’t feel sorry for yourself. That happened. Those things happen. Make sure that you are humble enough to recognise that and to learn from it and work on it.”

Squad updates for Anfield trip

Alongside Dowman’s suspension, Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka for Sunday’s clash at Anfield as the winger recovers from a quad injury that could keep him sidelined until after the upcoming international window.

It was verified by Arteta, nevertheless, that full training with the squad has been restarted by Christos Tzolis, Riccardo Calafiori, and Declan Rice. While an ankle issue means Noni Madueke is still uncertain, there is a possibility he will play.

The Gunners will be looking for their first league victory at Anfield since 2012, a match where Arteta himself lined up in midfield for the club.