Mikel Arteta’s message to Max Dowman after the teenager was sent off during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup exit has been identified by a lip-reading expert.
Nicola Hickling believes the Arsenal manager told the 16-year-old: “Get in the changing room, Max.”
Dowman was dismissed late in the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town after reacting to a heavy challenge from Harrison Neal. Arsenal subsequently lost 5-3 on penalties.
Arteta’s response to the Max Dowman red card
Arteta appeared unhappy as Dowman left the pitch, although he declined to repeat the exact words he had used when questioned after the match.
“It was something that we discussed before the game,” the Arsenal manager said.
His response appeared to indicate that the players had been warned about maintaining their discipline during what was expected to be a physical cup tie. Arteta had reportedly stressed the need for his squad to control their emotions before kick-off.
The incident has prompted contrasting views. Paul Merson said Arteta should have shown greater sympathy towards a 16-year-old who had made an emotional mistake, while others have viewed the manager’s reaction as an attempt to reinforce the standards required at first-team level.
Arsenal have appealed against Dowman’s dismissal. If the appeal is successful, the teenager could avoid serving a three-match domestic suspension.
Arsenal standards and Dowman’s response
Arteta’s reaction came after Dowman appeared to repeat the behaviour the team had been warned against, but the player’s age remains an important factor.
At 16, Dowman is still adapting to the pressure of senior football and learning to manage difficult moments during matches.
The instruction to go directly to the dressing room may have been intended to prevent the situation from escalating, although it also gave the impression that the teenager was being publicly reprimanded.
Arsenal’s standards are expected to apply to every player, but Dowman will also require guidance as he continues to develop. The key issue now will be how he responds to the incident.
