‘We Are Not in Disneyland’ – Arteta Demands Discipline From 16-Year-Old Dowman

Mikel Arteta has sent a firm message to Arsenal youngster Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was dismissed for violent conduct in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.

Dowman was shown a red card after appearing to kick out at Harrison Neal following a strong challenge, Sky Sports reports. Arsenal eventually suffered elimination from the competition after losing on penalties.

The teenager’s dismissal prompted a heated exchange with Arteta as he walked towards the tunnel. Former Arsenal forward and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson questioned the manager’s handling of the situation, suggesting he should have offered the youngster comfort rather than criticism.

But Arteta stood by his reaction, stressing that playing at the highest level comes with significant expectations and that Dowman must learn to control his emotions.

“What do you expect? That’s the level and that’s the reaction. Whether it’s right or wrong, that’s the reaction. And the reaction when I don’t win, I’m ** off, big time.

“This is the environment and the reality. We are not in Disneyland, we are in the Premier League. We look after him so much, but we are also demanding, as he needs to earn the right to play. Otherwise, what are the rest of the boys going to tell me?”

The Spaniard said his reaction reflected both his disappointment and his concern about the punishment the youngster could face. According to Arteta, Dowman’s disciplinary conduct had already been a subject of discussion before the Fleetwood match, following a similar incident with England earlier in the month.

Arteta acknowledged that the teenager could continue to attract strong challenges because of his style of play, but insisted that his age would not exempt him from responsibility.

“It will continue to happen with the way he plays and the way he attracts opponents,” Arteta said. “We have to be protective of him, as he is 16, but also very straight with him about what to expect from him towards the team and the club.”

Despite the confrontation, Arteta played down suggestions of a breakdown in their relationship, revealing that he had spoken to Dowman the previous day.

“There are no issues at all,” he said. “We’ve all made these mistakes. We know how much you can get punished and what happens next. It’s not the first time, so we need to put an end to it very quickly.”

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