'That's the secret': Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star who won 9 duels vs Brighton

Arsenal extended their winning streak to eight games in all competitions following a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta made 10 changes to the starting line-up against the Seagulls. There was a nervous start. The visitors could have easily scored in the first 20 minutes.

Kepa Arrizabalaga made a fine save, while the Seagulls squandered another big opportunity.

Arsenal eventually found some control over the proceedings. Ethan Nwaneri broke the deadlock in the second half. Bukayo Saka came off the bench to score Arsenal’s second goal.

Max Dowman and Andre Harriman-Annous were handed surprise starts yesterday, and speaking after the game, the manager had some fond words to say about the academy duo.

When asked specifically about how Dowman reacted to his full Gunners debut, Arteta said that everything comes naturally to him and he doesn’t make a big fuss about it.

The Spanish tactician added that it is ‘definitely special’ to see someone of Dowman’s age (15) being able to run past established players in the Premier League.

He told Arsenal.com: “A tiny smile. That’s what you get with him. For him, everything is natural. For him, everything is ok. It’s the way he plays.

“I think that’s the secret, that he doesn’t make a big fuss of it. He just does what he does best, which is to play football, to play football with a lot of courage and determination.

“Today, again, he’s shown some incredible skill, some capacity to run past players at that level in the Premier League at 15. It’s something definitely special.”

Dowman had a lively debut against the Seagulls. He won an impressive nine duels on the night and was successful in completing five out of eight dribbles attempted.

The youngster was a handful for Brighton’s defence and was fouled on four occasions. Dowman also made three ball recoveries in a lively League Cup showing.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League trip to newly-promoted Burnley. Dowman will be hoping to make the matchday squad at Turf Moor.

Gabriel Martinelli picked up a possible muscle injury during the recent league win over Crystal Palace, and Arteta said that the Brazilian needs further medical examination.

If the winger is not deemed fit, Dowman should fancy his chances of making the substitutes’ bench. The 15-year-old could make his third league appearance of the season.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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