"He was exceptional": Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star after 7 recoveries vs Mansfield

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Max Dowman following the club’s 2-1 win over Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

The Gunners travelled to the One Call Stadium to face the Stags on Saturday. They were firm favourites to win the tie but had to work hard for the result.

The League One outfit went toe-to-toe with Arsenal at various stages of the game, but the Gunners’ supreme quality made the difference in the end.

Two sublime goals from Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze sealed the victory for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Dowman also made his first start since recovering from an ankle injury, and it was certainly a memorable one despite not finding the back of the net.

The 16-year-old had five attempts on goal and failed to convert two big chances. Still, he was the best player on the pitch until his late substitution.

The youngster won seven duels and made seven recoveries against the Stags. He also completed four dribbles in his first appearance of the year.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said that he is ‘very proud’ of Dowman as well as Marli Salmon, who was handed his maiden start for the Gunners. The Spanish tactician added that Dowman was ‘exceptional’.

He told Arsenal.com: “Well, I’m very proud of him, very proud as well of Marli, obviously, two 16-year-olds, starting in the FA Cup. That tells us a lot about them, their personality and the quality that they have. And Max, yeah, I think he was exceptional.”

Dowman showed plenty of promise from an attacking midfield position against Mansfield, and he will be hoping for more playing time during the season run-in.

He has plenty of competition from Eberechi Eze, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard (currently injured) for the number 10 position at the moment.

The youngster could still play a part off the bench. He should be involved in the squad for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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