In praise of Arsenal's young talent Max Dowman 

Gavin Garthwaite shares his experience attending Arsenal U18s FA Youth Cup quarter-final at the Emirates 

Going into the FA Youth Cup Quarter Finals, at The Emirates, I was filled with hope and anticipation and in particular - was looking forward to seeing Max Dowman in action.

In a twist of fate, a good friend’s son, Jacob Devaney, was starring for the Manchester United Team as captain, so I was completely torn - an Arsenal win but a Devaney hat-trick maybe!?

The Arsenal youngsters got a real flavour of what it’s like on a matchday at The Emirates, with North London Forever belting out before the game and in front of a healthy 7,500 attendance.

We started off slowly and struggled to muster any form of real attack as United took charge, especially down the right hand side.

Darren Fletcher’s twin sons Jack and Tyler, along with Devaney and the right back Jaydan Kamason were instrumental in the flurry of attacks and The Gunners had the impressive Jack Porter in goal to thank for keeping the scores level for as long as he did.

Then on 36 minutes Jack Fletcher notched, with a good United move, sparking a reaction from the home side.

In Max Dowman we have one of the hottest talents in English football and at just 15 years of age he is already so elegant in his movement and use of a football.

A left footer and in the mould of club captain Martin Odegaard, the resemblance is so uncanny is so many ways.

With the first team seemingly out of the title race, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as the end of the season nears- and I fully trust Arteta to ensure he protects the young man to ensure continued development - along the same lines as Nwaner’s progression plan.

Louie Copley levelled the tie at 1-1, latching onto a ball over the top, and producing a delicate finish past the onrushing ‘keeper.

Copley was another bright spark for this Arsenal team and definitely one to keep an eye on.

Half time came and went and Dowman began to run the show and this was signified by a lung bursting run from deep inside his own half, running with the ball and twisting defenders inside out- which resulted in him being brought down for a penalty.

He duly got up and tucked his penalty away with no hesitation, to show a steely mindset.

The young man’s stock was rising by the second. I lost count of how many fouls he won, which resulted in yellow cards - it must have been at least four!

And that should have been that.

Arsenal were comfortable and in control but right back Kamason had other ideas and on 84 minutes, after another gallop into the box, he managed to rifle a shot home into the roof of the net, leaving Porter with no chance.

Extra time was needed to separate these two tiring teams and there was some walking wounded for both sets of players.

Who could capitalise on a mistake and lapse of concentration…?

Sub Bendito Mantato eventually struck on 99 minutes and there was no way back for the Young Guns, however much they huffed and puffed, and 3-2 was how it ended.

I really enjoyed the match, it was a great spectacle, and as much as I wanted Arsenal to win, it was a great experience for them and one then can use as fuel for the fire, as set-backs build character and we want these players to fulfil their potential and enter the first team frame.

A special mention for another 15 year old, Marli Salmon, who also showed promise but it was Dowman who stole the show and we have another Hale End Gem on our hands.

Watch this space…