Max Dowman has waited patiently for opportunities in Arsenal's first team, but when he gets them, he delivers. Mikel Arteta has managed the prodigy carefully since becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer in a vital 2-0 win over Everton last season.

Dowman excelled in Arsenal's 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Ipswich at Portman Road on Tuesday night, scoring twice with frightening ease. His first came in just the seventh minute, stealing possession before shimmying past Cedric Kipre and sending goalkeeper Christian Walton the wrong way. His second was a composed finish from Martin Zubimendi's deflected pass.

"That's something very natural for him," said Arteta. "He can deliver those actions effortlessly."

Arteta urged caution over the 16-year-old, who only completed his GCSEs in August. "What we have to do is look after him. He's 16 years old. You don't see that in this league. We really need to make sure every time we throw him in, he's in the right context with the right preparation."

Dowman also showed his work rate off the ball, pressing Ipswich into a mistake for Noni Madueke's goal. "Defensively, his application, his capacity to sustain the actions, is not easy," added Arteta.