Gary O'Neil has declared Arsenal the perfect club for Max Dowman's development after the 16-year-old's stunning Carabao Cup performance. The Ipswich Town manager watched Dowman score twice and set up another in a 4-2 win at Portman Road, then pointed to the Gunners' squad strength as the key to nurturing the teenager.

O'Neil, whose side were beaten by the Premier League leaders, said the presence of senior stars like Martin Odegaard allows Mikel Arteta to use Dowman selectively. "I've definitely not had a 16-year-old as good as Max Dowman around my group," O'Neil stated. "I think Mikel has so many good players that you can manage Max Dowman however you want really."

Dowman opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing a move involving Eberechi Eze. He doubled his tally just after half-time, converting a pass from Martin Zubimendi. The youngster then turned provider, teeing up Mikel Merino for Arsenal's fourth goal in a comprehensive victory. The result extended Arsenal's winning run to five matches in all competitions, a sequence that has them sitting top of the Premier League with a perfect 12 points from four games.

Arteta has consistently urged caution with Dowman's workload, emphasising the need to protect a player who made history last season. At 16 years and 139 days, Dowman became the youngest player ever to win a Premier League title, having also broken the record for the league's youngest scorer in a game against Everton. "He's 16 years old, you don't see that in this league," Arteta said recently. "What we have to do is look after him. The more ready he is physically to sustain that level, he will do it."

The spotlight on Dowman's progress comes amid reports that Manchester United are facing a battle to keep another teenage prodigy. Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel has reportedly asked to be released from his contract at Old Trafford, having been in line for a potential debut under manager Michael Carrick. The contrasting situations highlight the environment at Arsenal, where Dowman has been since the age of eight and is integrated into a squad competing at the highest level.

With Arsenal preparing for a trip to fifth-placed Brighton this weekend, Arteta has a fully-fit attacking unit at his disposal. The club's current form and league position provide the stable platform O'Neil referenced, allowing for measured introductions for young talents. Key defenders Ben White and William Saliba remain sidelined, but the attack is firing, with Bukayo Saka the team's top scorer this season with three goals. Check the latest availability updates on our injuries page.

Dowman's immediate future is likely to involve further cameo appearances, with the depth of Arsenal's squad ensuring there is no rush. The Gunners face Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, looking to maintain their 100% start to the league campaign.

More detail at Daily Mirror Football