Max Dowman Hits Double as Arsenal Beat Ipswich 4-2 in Carabao Cup
Arsenal progressed in the Carabao Cup with a 4-2 win at Ipswich Town on Tuesday, as 16-year-old Max Dowman struck twice and Mikel Merino marked his first match as captain with a goal. Noni Madueke also scored in a controlled third-round display from the Premier League champions at Portman Road.
Key takeaways
- Dowman’s two goals led Arsenal’s scoring in the 4-2 away victory.
- Merino wore the armband for the first time and found the net against Ipswich.
- Madueke completed Arsenal’s four-goal return in the third-round tie.
- Merino has 16 goals from 84 Arsenal appearances since joining in August 2024.
- Arsenal face Brighton away in the Premier League on Saturday.
Merino praised after captaincy milestone
Arteta placed particular emphasis on Merino’s contribution after the final whistle, describing the 30-year-old Spaniard as among the most intelligent footballers he has worked with. The Arsenal manager also praised the midfielder’s character, saying Merino consistently considers the needs of his team-mates and puts the group before himself.
Merino’s flexibility was another point highlighted by Arteta. The midfielder can operate in several areas of the pitch, connect play and make late arrivals in the penalty area. His goal at Portman Road underlined a scoring threat that Arteta believes brings a distinct quality to the squad.
The 51-cap Spain international joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £31.6 million in August 2024. While he has become an important option across competitions, his Premier League involvement has been limited this season, with only four appearances from the bench.
Merino said captaining Arsenal was a major personal honour, noting the significance of following previous club captains in wearing the armband. He said he was proud to represent a club of Arsenal’s stature and intended to fulfil the responsibility as well as possible.
Cup draw and Brighton test next
Arsenal will learn their Carabao Cup opponents on Wednesday evening, once Manchester United’s match against Brighton has finished. The competition has already seen Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United exit, improving Arsenal’s path as they pursue another trophy.
Attention now returns to the league, where Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday. A result on the south coast would preserve the strong start to their campaign before the forthcoming international break.
