Arsenal fans delight as Max Dowman leaves Leeds United man on his knees, Gary Neville wowed
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Credit: Sky Sports
Oliver Walton
Sat 23 August 2025 20:04, UK
Max Dowman’s star turn in Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds on Saturday (23 August) drew delight from Gunners fans in the stands and high praise from Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville.
Dowman’s breakthrough into Arsenal’s first-team has been a huge positive for Mikel Arteta in recent times, with the 15-year-old stepping up to train with his side throughout pre-season.
He featured in four of their friendly games prior to the start of the new campaign, with a particularly impressive display against Newcastle as Gunners fans hailed Dowman as the new Lamine Yamal.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has told Football Insider that Dowman’s talent is similar to that of a young Wayne Rooney, who he saw break through on Merseyside, and Arteta also clearly rates him highly.
The Spaniard named Dowman on the bench for the first time in the Premier League as Leeds visited the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, and the 15-year-old was seriously impressive in his late cameo as he offered a glimpse of his talent and potential for the years to come.
(Credit Imago)
Dowman was sent on for his senior competitive debut against the Whites in the 64th minute, and he soon set about causing trouble on the right-wing as Arsenal looked to extend their advantage late on.
He took on Leeds left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson down the right side in the 79th minute, and won a foul in a dangerous area after he had barged his opponent over but was then caught by his trailing leg, with of his impressive play winning huge cheers from the home support.
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Gary Neville praised the 15-year-old on Sky Sports‘ commentary after he won the free-kick, saying: “That’s the one thing you may expect that he would struggle with, Dowman, would be his strength up against, effectively, men.
“He’s got a lovely balance about him.
It’s Gudmundsson who ends up on the floor first.”
Dowman soon went on to cap off his brilliant performance by winning a penalty for his side in added-time, after a trip by Anton Stach was deemed enough for Jarred Gillett to point to the spot and Viktor Gyokeres stepped up to make it 5-0.
Pundit Jamie Redknapp also reserved high praise for the midfielder after the game, calling him a “superstar for the future” and a “wonderful footballer,” while teammate Jurrien Timber dubbed Dowman as “incredible” and a “joy to watch.”
[Credit Imago]
Football Insider verdict
Arteta has a plethora of strong attacking options right now, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke arriving this summer, while Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal was confirmed prior to Saturday’s game.
Dowman has seized his chance while it was there for him with Eze not signed in time to play and the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined, but Gunners fans should not be expecting too much, too soon considering he is still only 15-years-old.
Minutes played33?Penalties won1Accurate passes2/2Shots2Touches in opposition box5Fouls drawn2Ground duels won5/7Dowman’s stats vs Leeds [Fotmob]
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider in July that Arteta will need multiple Arsenal stars to help Dowman settle as he starts regularly playing with the first-team, and he will certainly need to be managed carefully to avoid issues on and off the pitch going forward.
It would not be a surprise to see the teenager used sparingly going forward due to his age, despite his obvious ability and potential, but the more performances he puts in like this, then the more chances he will surely be given to shine by Arteta.