Why Max Dowman was absent for Arsenal's 3-0 win vs Athletic Club
Arsenal picked up a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup on Saturday.
The Gunners were on the losing side in the previous two friendlies and responded well yesterday.
Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were on the scoresheet in a comfortable win.
Martin Zubimendi was also exceptional in the centre of the park and was unquestionably the man of the match, having created the opening goal too. The Spaniard was unlucky not to register another assist as Saka squandered a golden scoring opportunity.
Noni Madueke likewise impressed the club’s faithful with his second-half appearance on the left wing. Madueke caught the eye with his link-up play. Gyokeres almost scored from his fantastic low cross.
The game was an ideal preparation for the Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford next weekend. Max Dowman was a surprise absentee for the Athletic friendly, but the reason has already been disclosed by the London heavyweights.
After the Villarreal defeat, manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the 15-year-old needs a little break, having played the entire summer. He was part of the England squad for the Under-17 European Championship.
Arteta said: “Let’s see how it goes. Let’s go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break because he hasn’t had any holidays really.
“So, in the next few days, he’s going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he’ll be ready again to go.”
Hence, his absence was unsurprising. Arsenal confirmed yesterday that the wonderkid has been given ‘some belated time off‘ after his high workload for club and country in recent weeks.
As Arteta hinted, Dowman has probably been given a week off after the Villarreal game, and we should see him back in training in the coming days in the lead-up to the United encounter.
Dowman has already mesmerised fans with his dribbling and movement from the right wing. He won two penalties during pre-season and also induced a couple of fine saves from goalkeepers.
The Gunners graduate is eligible to make his Premier League debut against United, having turned 15 before the new campaign. He could make his senior bow at Old Trafford next weekend.
Arsenal have won four and drawn one of the previous five league meetings versus United, but face a sterner challenge against a revamped Red Devils side with plenty of attacking ammunition.
Ruben Amorim’s side have added Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to their ranks, and it promises to be an entertaining affair. Arsenal will be aiming to pick up maximum points.
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