Mikel Arteta named Max Dowman in his starting XI for Arsenal’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie with Brighton & Hove Albion, making sweeping changes after the weekend victory over Crystal Palace. The selection handed Dowman his first senior start and established a new club record.

At 15 years and 302 days, Dowman is the youngest starter in Arsenal history. He surpassed the previous mark set by academy graduate Jack Porter, who made his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup last term at 16 years and 72 days.

Dowman is also already the second-youngest appearance-maker in Premier League history, a distinction only Ethan Nwaneri has claimed ahead of him. The teenager is expected to commit his long-term future to Arsenal and, given his early breakthrough, could add further records before the 2025/26 season concludes.

The start places Dowman among a long list of early debutants from Arsenal’s history. The club’s register of youngest starters includes Cesc Fàbregas (16 years, 177 days), Jack Wilshere (16 years, 266 days), Gerry Ward (16 years, 321 days), David O’Leary (17 years, 106 days), Serge Gnabry (17 years, 108 days), Arturo Lopoli (17 years, 125 days) and Richie Powling (17 years, 159 days). Jack Porter and Ethan Nwaneri also feature prominently in the modern era of academy graduations.

Arteta’s decision to rotate his squad for a cup tie reflects the club’s use of the Carabao Cup as a platform to blood youth players. Dowman’s elevation will be monitored closely as he transitions from academy prospect to senior squad member. The appearance is a significant milestone for the player and a notable moment in the club’s long history of introducing young talent at competitive level.

Mikel Arteta has played down the idea that Arsenal risk losing Max Dowman to Real Madrid or another rival while negotiations continue over the teenager’s status. Dowman, 15, is not yet eligible to sign a senior contract but is in discussions with the club about his scholar status and a first professional contract that can be pre-signed when he turns 16.

Arteta pointed to the player’s affinity with the club and the family’s attitude as reasons for optimism. “I don’t think about [losing Dowman] because everything that I hear from the player and the family has been very positive,” he told reporters. “[Staying long-term] is we all want and I think what he wants as well. After that it is more for [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club.

“But the feeling that I have is that genuinely he loves it here. He is a huge Arsenal supporter and his family are really happy with the way things are developing around him as well. Hopefully for many years he will be with us.”

Dowman made his first-team debut in August, becoming the club’s second youngest ever player behind Ethan Nwaneri. Arteta has previously shown a willingness to hand very young players senior minutes, having introduced Nwaneri to the first team in 2022. Age alone has not been a barrier: “If we looked at his passport every day we would never play him, simple as that,” Arteta said. “So it is finding a balance, an understanding, especially the load, the things that are changing in his life, and making sure he can cope with that. So far, he has done that.”

This season Dowman has made three first-team appearances, totaling 54 minutes, and further chances could arise as Arsenal manage absences in attack. Arteta conceded the squad is stretched ahead of the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton & Hove Albion. “In the front line, that is where we have more difficulties,” he said. “Gabby Jesus out, Kai [Havertz] out, [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Noni] Madueke out. We have to be more careful as we don’t have many options. ]”

Pep Guardiola offered a restrained update on Erling Haaland after the striker appeared to be in clear discomfort following a collision with the woodwork at Villa Park. Haaland remained on the ground in visible pain but was able to finish the match and did not require a substitution.

On the injury scare Guardiola said, “Hopefully he is fine.” The manager’s short response left the club with a small window to manage the forward’s recovery before a lighter fixture list.

Man City’s next match is against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Guardiola should not need Haaland to make an appearance against the Championship side, giving the No. 9 additional time to recover. Haaland already has 24 goals to his name for both club and country this season, and the expectation is to have him fit for the visit of second-place Bournemouth to the Etihad on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The defeat at Aston Villa ended a nine-game unbeaten run for the 10-time English champions and left City in fifth place, six points behind league-leaders Arsenal. Guardiola addressed the title race directly, saying: “We try to close [the gap],” Guardiola said. “Arsenal have been solid for many years. The concern is how we improve better to be close.

“From my experience, it is so long. There are many teams there—Bournemouth are doing really well—and we try to do our game. Our job is not to watch the title. If [Arsenal] win all their games and win the Premier League, congratulate them. But I feel that the team is alive, it’s good,” Guardiola finished.

With fixtures against Bournemouth and Liverpool coming in the next two weeks, Guardiola will be focused on restoring form and moving into the November international window with his squad in better shape.