Stephen Warnock blown away by “phenomenal” Arsenal participant who dazzled in opposition to Mansfield City
BBC pundit Stephen Warnock has been left blown away by one Arsenal participant who dazzled within the FA Cup in opposition to Mansfield City immediately.
Arsenal survive Mansfield scare to guide FA Cup quarter-final spot
Arsenal are by way of to the FA Cup quarter-finals, however they made extraordinarily laborious work of it on the One Name Stadium.
Mikel Arteta made 9 modifications from the aspect that beat Brighton in midweek, with one eye firmly on Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg at Bayer Leverkusen.
The likes of Declan Rice, David Raya and William Saliba had been all left at house, handing fringe gamers and academy prospects a uncommon probability to shine in opposition to the League One aspect.
It was removed from simple.
Arsenal spent a lot of the primary half trying to find a manner by way of a resolute Mansfield backline, with Trossard going shut on multiple event and the put up denying Madueke from a nook.
The opener lastly arrived on the stroke of half-time — Madueke, after seeing his preliminary effort saved, poked house the rebound to present Arsenal a 1-0 lead on the break and hand the membership a landmark second, the purpose being their a hundredth of the season throughout all competitions.
The second half started disastrously.
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A sloppy defensive error gifted possession straight to substitute Will Evans, who raced clear and slotted previous Kepa to stage issues up and ship the house crowd into raptures.
All of the sudden, the prospect of a giant-killing felt very actual.
Arsenal, to their credit score, responded. Eberechi Eze, launched from the bench, swivelled onto a free ball on the sting of the penalty space and lashed a surprising effort into the highest nook to revive the lead.
The Gunners then held on to win 2-1 and guide a quarter-final spot.
The quadruple dream stays alive — nearly.
Stephen Warnock blown away by Max Dowman in Arsenal win over Mansfield
However amid the anxiousness, one identify stored catching the attention.
Making his first begin since November, having been sidelined since a Champions League look in opposition to Slavia Prague, 16-year-old Max Dowman reminded everybody watching precisely why Arsenal’s supporters are so enthusiastic about him.
{The teenager} made historical past earlier than kick-off, turning into the youngest participant ever to begin for Arsenal within the FA Cup, and proceeded to ship a efficiency that had pundits purring within the aftermath.
Former England full-back Warnock was amongst these unable to cover his admiration, in dialog with BBC Radio 5 Reside.
|
Premier League’s youngest ever gamers |
Age |
Membership |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethan Nwaneri |
15 years, 181 days |
Arsenal |
|
Max Dowman |
15 years, 235 days |
Arsenal |
|
Jeremy Monga |
15 years, 271 days |
Leicester Metropolis |
|
Harvey Elliott |
16 years, 30 days |
Fulham |
|
Matthew Briggs |
16 years, 68 days |
Fulham |
“Max Dowman is a delight to observe,” mentioned Warnock.
“The way in which he carries the ball, and he glides previous gamers. Typically he offloads it on the proper time. His imaginative and prescient and understanding of the sport is phenomenal for somebody so younger.”
Warnock was additionally candid in regards to the problem that lies forward for {the teenager} as he appears to drive his manner into Arteta’s first-team plans on a extra common foundation.
“The issue he is having for the time being is Arsenal are so good, and he’s not getting the game-time he desires, however it’s a must to be so cautious with the way you mattress him into it. The sport is totally different bodily — it’s so totally different from youth soccer.
“He is aware of learn how to discover area, and he’s always wanting over his shoulder. His decision-making for such a younger participant — he’s unbelievable.”
Dowman did miss an early one-on-one with the Mansfield goalkeeper, however that one lapse apart, he seemed each inch a participant who belongs at this stage.
For Arsenal, managing his improvement fastidiously stays the precedence. On immediately’s proof, the queue of golf equipment watching him very intently will solely be getting longer.
Paul Merson has already known as Dowman a scary prospect, and the teenage expertise has but once more backed that up immediately.
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