Mikel Arteta has explained his reaction to Max Dowman as the 16-year-old went down the tunnel after being sent off in Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town. Moments before Arsenal exited the competition on penalties to the League Two sidee, Dowman was sent off for violent conduct for allegedly lashing out at Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal. The pair challenged for a couple of 50-50s before a brawl broke out.
Dowman then went down the tunnel and Arteta appeared to lean towards and say something to the teenager as he walked past. That treatment of the youngster was criticised by Paul Merson, who felt the Arsenal manager should have put an arm around him. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Asked what he said to Dowman, Arteta told reporters: "It was something that we discussed before the game." Arteta refused to go into any more detail on that when pressed on it.
On Sky Sports co-commentary duty, Andy Hinchcliffe said the red card was harsh on Dowman and Arteta replied: "I haven't seen it with the camera. You can't really see what happens. The decision was made by the referee and that's it.
"And even with 10 men, we have three big chances to score the second goal." Asked if the incident is something Dowman has to learn from, Arteta replied: "We knew when we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to expect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate." Reacting to the incident, Merson said: "If that's [Viktor] Gyokeres, who's an experienced international, he [Arteta] isn't doing that - but he does that to a 16-year-old kid? "He's not the last person to get sent off for Arsenal, nor the first. If it was me, I'd have put my arm around him.
It's still 1-1, they're still in the game. "We all say things in life we wish we hadn't and if he [Arteta] could have that back, he'd do it differently." Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff said: "I can't understand the reaction. Arteta probably feels it was petulant, naive which I think it is.
"It is frustration from Dowman, but when you see the reaction from Arteta... we have to remember he's 16. "Yes, he's a fantastic talent, but he will make mistakes along the way. I didn't like the reaction at all." He added: "Dowman is potentially the future of Arsenal.
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