What Mikel Arteta Told Max Dowman After the Arsenal Star Got a Red Card Against Fleetwood
A lip reader has shared what Mikel Arteta said to Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was sent off in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood Town.
Arteta seemed to openly coach Dowman as the young player left the field in the 85th minute, following a red card for reacting to a hard tackle from Harrison Neal.
Dowman’s red card marked a tough night for Arsenal. Despite having 26 shots and 78% possession, they lost 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
When asked about his words to Dowman, Arteta told reporters, “It was something that we discussed before the game.”
Though Arteta kept quiet, lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling said he told Dowman to “get in the changing room now.”
Hickling explained to Covers: “Arteta’s mouth movements are clear and match those words. He also looks frustrated and leans forward while speaking to Dowman.”
She added, “Lip reading isn’t perfect—words can look similar, and the angle and image quality matter. Dowman seemed worried, rubbing the back of his head, then looked up at Arteta but didn’t stop to talk. He just walked off as told.”
Fans have reacted on social media, some unhappy with how Arteta handled the situation. Former Arsenal player Paul Merson also reminded people that Dowman is just 16.
“You have to remember he’s a kid,” Merson said on Sky Sports. “He wasn’t having the best night and got frustrated. He gets a chance to play for Arsenal now and then and probably feels he should play more. This was an old-fashioned tackle.”
Merson added, “If it was a more experienced player, I don’t think Arteta would react the same way. Players get sent off sometimes—it’s part of the game.”
Arsenal hasn’t won the Carabao Cup in 33 years, and this exit was one of their worst, especially since losing to League Two Bradford City in 2012.
With Dowman now suspended, and key players like Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, and Noni Madueke injured, Arsenal’s choices on the wings are very limited for their upcoming Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.