Dowman Makes History as Madueke, Akpom Score in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup Thriller
Max Dowman made history while Noni Madueke and Chuba Akpom both found the net as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 in a thrilling Carabao Cup third-round clash at Portman Road on Tuesday night.
The six-goal contest provided plenty of talking points, but it was 16-year-old Dowman who emerged as the headline act after producing a memorable two-goal performance for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Dowman opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Madueke doubled Arsenal’s advantage nine minutes later with a well-taken volley.
The teenager then struck again shortly after half-time to restore Arsenal’s three-goal cushion, before Mikel Merino added a fourth in the 58th minute.
Ipswich refused to surrender and reduced the deficit through Anis Mehmeti before former Arsenal academy forward Akpom added a late second for the hosts in stoppage time.
Akpom controlled the ball inside the penalty area before turning and seeing his effort take a deflection on its way past Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Despite the late pressure, Arsenal held on comfortably to secure their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Dowman Creates History
The biggest individual story from Portman Road was undoubtedly Dowman’s remarkable contribution.
The 16-year-old’s brace placed him alongside Wayne Rooney as one of the youngest players to score twice in a senior English football match, underlining the significance of his latest breakthrough performance.
His display also offered another glimpse of Arsenal’s growing young talent pool as Arteta continues to rotate his squad across multiple competitions.
Madueke Continues Arsenal Impact
Madueke’s first-half goal added another positive moment for the Arsenal forward, who has continued to make his presence felt in the club’s attacking options.
The Nigerian-heritage England international reacted quickly to Merino’s delivery before producing a clinical finish to put Arsenal firmly in control.
His goal also added a Nigerian connection to an already entertaining encounter.
Akpom’s Late Response
For Ipswich, Akpom’s stoppage-time strike was little more than consolation, but it carried its own significance.
The Nigeria-born striker began his professional career with Arsenal and returned to face his former club in a Carabao Cup tie that eventually ended in a six-goal thriller.
While his late goal could not change the outcome, Akpom became the second player of Nigerian heritage to score in the match.
Arsenal now advance to the fourth round, while Dowman’s historic performance, Madueke’s contribution and Akpom’s late consolation ensured the Portman Road encounter generated plenty of attention beyond the final score.
