What did Arteta say to Max Dowman? Arsenal open after stupid red card against Fleetwood Town

Mikel Arteta has revealed what he said to Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was sent off during Arsenal’s shock Carabao Cup exit against Fleetwood Town. The Arsenal manager faced criticism from fans, former footballers and pundits after a video of his seemingly harsh reaction to the teenager went viral on social media.

Dowman was sent off for violent conduct following an altercation with Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal, with Arsenal eventually losing on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Asked about his exchange with the youngster as he walked through the tunnel, Arteta told reporters:

“It was something we discussed before the game.

The Arsenal manager refused to elaborate when pressed further on what he had said to Dowman. He was also asked about the sacking, with Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe suggesting the decision was a tough one for the teenager.

“I didn’t see it on camera. You don’t really see what happens. The referee made the decision and that’s it,” Arteta replied.

“Even with 10 men, we had three great chances to score the second goal,” he added.

Dowman’s dismissal came in just his second start of the season, having scored twice in Arsenal’s previous Carabao Cup round against Ipswich. The 16-year-old was given another chance due to injuries at Arsenal’s disposal, but his response to Neal’s challenge became one of the defining moments of a night to forget for the Gunners.

HOW FLEETWOOD BROKE ARSENAL

Arsenal dominated against the League Two opposition, scoring 26 shots and controlling 78 percent of the ball, but were unable to turn that dominance into victory.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Fleetwood held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to knock the Premier League champions out of the competition.

The result was a considerable upset with Arsenal unable to find a winner even after creating chances with 10 men. The defeat also extended their wait for a League Cup title, which they have not won since 1993.

ARTETA ON ARSENAL’S ATTITUDE

Arteta suggested Dowman had been warned about the emotional demands of the competition before kick-off and needed to learn from the incident.

“When we were preparing the context of the game, we were very clear about what to expect, the things we have to dominate emotionally,” the Arsenal manager said.

However, footage of Arteta appearing to admonish Dowman as he walked towards the tunnel sparked criticism, with former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson among those questioning the manager’s response to the player, who is still just 16.

“You have to realize he’s 16, he’s a kid. Merson said on Sky Sports.

Merson felt Arteta should have offered reassurance to the youngster, especially with the match still level at the time of the sending off, rather than appearing to berate him as he left the pitch.

Dowman’s dismissal was also his second red card this month after he was dropped from the England Under-19s during the international break. The teenager now faces an important lesson in managing his emotions as he continues his development at Arsenal, while Arteta’s reaction sparked a wider debate about how young players should be handled during difficult times.

Arsenal, meanwhile, must quickly turn their attention back to the Premier League. Arteta’s side face Liverpool at Anfield on November 1 before traveling to the Czech Republic to face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4. Arsenal will be hoping that with tough games ahead, the disappointment at Fleetwood will not affect their momentum in the league and Europe.

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