Opinion: Hale End Wonderkid Stakes First-Team Claim in Arsenal’s 3-2 Win Over Newcastle

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·28 July 2025

Opinion: Hale End Wonderkid Stakes First-Team Claim in Arsenal’s 3-2 Win Over Newcastle

Arsenal continued their pre-season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in Singapore on Sunday. Goals from Mikel Merino, Martin Ødegaard and an own goal secured the win, but all eyes were on one name by the final whistle: Max Dowman.

After a brief 66th-minute cameo against AC Milan, the 15-year-old was once again called upon from the bench, replacing Bukayo Saka in the 60th minute. This time, the Hale End graduate made an even greater impression. Despite limited touches, Dowman was electric. His dribbling, close control and maturity on the ball belied his age.

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The moment that turned heads came in the 82nd minute. With his back to goal, Dowman spun his marker, drove into the box and drew a clumsy challenge from Joelinton. The resulting penalty, calmly dispatched by Ødegaard, sealed the win for the Gunners. But it was Dowman’s decisive contribution that dominated the headlines.

Calls for more minutes

There are now growing calls for Dowman to feature from the start against Tottenham in Thursday’s pre-season clash. While it might be premature to expect regular minutes in 2025-26, the signs are promising. Dowman is surrounded by elite mentors, from Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff to senior players like Saka and Rice. The environment is perfectly set up for his development.

His trajectory could well mirror that of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, who have both established themselves in the first-team picture – Downman is now eligible to play in the Premier League. His pre-season form proves he belongs in the conversation, and he is clearly not overawed by the stage.

Max Dowman (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB)

Arsenal’s youth pathway working

Dowman’s rise is another testament to Arsenal’s thriving Hale End academy and the club’s long-standing commitment to youth development. If he keeps progressing at this pace, it will only be a matter of time before he becomes a fixture in the senior squad.

For now, Arsenal fans will be keen to see more of this exciting young talent throughout pre-season. One thing is certain: Max Dowman is a name to remember and one Arteta has confirmed wiil be a part of first team plans for the coming season.

Your thoughts on the rise of Max Dowman?

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