After Max Dowman earned a red card against Fleetwood, Mikel Arteta delivered a stark warning, telling the teenager “we are not in Disneyland” and that he will hold him to the same standards as any senior player. The Gunners manager said he had spoken with Dowman on Thursday and found “no issues at all,” but added that he needed to be “very straight” about expectations.
Dowman was dismissed in an England U19 fixture earlier this month where heavy challenges also occurred. Arteta noted the opponents were “16 – the same,” and said the reaction was “the level and that is the reaction.” He explained that whether right or wrong, that is how players at this age respond, and that the environment demands readiness for such outcomes.
Arsenal appealed the decision, but the Football Association (FA) upheld it, leaving Arteta “very disappointed.” He also reflected on safety, remarking, “we are lucky today that he (Dowman) hasn't had a broken foot.” The manager emphasized that while they look after him, they will demand the same accountability from him as from everyone else.
In closing, Arteta stressed that the squad must accept the reality of the Premier League, not a fantasy world. “We are in the Premier League and this level,” he said, underscoring the need for every player to earn his place through consistent performance and proper conduct.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing