Dowman sees red as Arsenal dumped out, but did Arteta go too far?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not provide further explanation regarding his reaction to Max Dowman’s red card during the Carabao Cup defeat against Fleetwood Town. According to Arteta, the words he used to Dowman as he walked off the pitch were about "something we discussed already before the match." The 16-year-old Arsenal prodigy had made his second start of the season, following his two-goal performance against Ipswich in the previous round.

Fleetwood Town, a League Two side, managed to frustrate Arsenal, resulting in a penalty shootout where Dowman was sent off in the 85th minute following a heavy challenge from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal. Neal's tackle prompted a response from Dowman, leading to a brawl between the teams. Referee Michael Salisbury issued a straight-red card for violent conduct.

As he left the pitch, Arteta's anger was evident, but he declined to discuss the situation further, stating that he needed to review the incident on camera. Arteta emphasized that Dowman could learn from the red card experience, and both managers agreed that young players learn from everything. Dowman will now be suspended for Arsenal's next three Premier League games, which start with their match against Liverpool on Sunday.