Arteta says Dowman will get protection and the same standards as teammates
Mikel Arteta has explained his response to Max Dowman’s dismissal against Fleetwood Town, saying protection for the teenager comes with the same expectations as for other Arsenal players. The manager said they had spoken again and had no issues. His Friday comments also addressed the heavy challenges Dowman faces and his own frustration at the incident.
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Arteta describes his exchange with Dowman
Mikel Arteta, manager of English football club Arsenal, said on Friday that he and Max Dowman had spoken again after his angry response to the teenager’s dismissal against Fleetwood Town. He said there were no issues between them following their Thursday conversation. Arteta nevertheless wanted to state clearly what he expected from the player.[1], [2]
Arteta had spoken to Dowman as the player left the field. Asked about criticism of that response, he said he had not seen whether reactions were positive or negative. He argued that his relationship with Dowman and the conversation they had before the match formed part of the context for his words. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson had questioned whether a senior player would have received the same public treatment.[1], [2]
Protection and the same expectations
The manager said Arsenal worked hard to protect Dowman but also demanded that he earn the right to play. The standards applied to his teammates would apply to him too. Arteta described that as a matter of fairness to the rest of the squad, while acknowledging the need to protect a young player.[1], [2]
He connected his frustration during the Fleetwood match with the consequences of the dismissal, particularly for Dowman. Arteta said he needed to be direct about the teenager’s responsibilities towards the team and club. He also discussed his own strong reaction to losing and the competitive demands of playing at Premier League level.[1], [2]
Heavy challenges frame the conversation
Dowman was dismissed after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal in the League Cup tie. Arteta had warned him before the game about handling provocation. In Friday’s explanation, he said the way Dowman plays attracts opponents and that the club needed both to protect him and to be clear about its expectations.[1], [2]
Arteta also voiced concern about the force of the challenges directed at Dowman. He said the teenager had been fortunate to avoid a broken foot, presenting his own assessment of the incident. The manager’s account of the follow-up conversation was that they had discussed matters again and could continue without an issue between them.[1]
