Mikel Arteta sends message on Max Dowman after Villarreal friendly

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Max Dowman could feature for the first-team next season following another superb cameo against Villarreal today.

The Gunners suffered a second straight defeat in pre-season following a 3-2 loss to Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium. They were poor in the backline and Arteta will want an improvement in the final friendly against Athletic.

Despite this, there were positives to carry forward. Christian Norgaard was superb in the opening half. He completed 100 percent of his passes and also scored a goal from a corner. The Dane was subbed at the break.

Dowman was also exceptional after replacing Bukayo Saka on the right wing. The 15-year-old created plenty of chances in his short burst and also won a penalty for the second goal scored by captain Martin Odegaard.

When asked about Dowman's first-team prospects, Arteta said that the 15-year-old deserves a break, he said: "If he continues to impress, then without a doubt…incredible…he deserves to have chances like this."