Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was very harsh with young winger MaxDowman after the expulsion he suffered last Tuesday. The red card, which cost the 16-year-old a three-game suspension, was the subject of a strong reprimand from the coach, who reminded the players that the Premier League is not a theme park.
Dowman was sent off during the League Cup round of 16 match against Fleetwood, after a harsh tackle by HarrisonNeal that led to a kick from the opponent. The incident left Arsenal a man down and the team was ultimately eliminated on penalties. The English Football Federation rejected the appeal presented by the club, so the winger will miss the matches against Liverpool, Hull and Newcastle.
Arteta explained that his reaction occurred “in a moment of tension and extreme frustration” and that the situation is not the first that the young man has faced with discipline. “We have to be honest with each other,” said the coach, recalling that the same problem had already occurred with the England U-19 team. “We must put an end to it very, very quickly,” he added, underscoring the need for players to earn their right to play.
Arteta's message was clear: "This is not Disneyland. We are in reality, in the Premier League. We are very protective of Dowman, but we are also demanding and direct because he must earn the right to play, like everyone else." The coach assured that there is no problem with the relationship with the young man and that he spoke with him on Thursday to clarify the situation.
Regarding the next match against Liverpool, Arteta confirmed that BukayoSaka is out and that tests are being carried out to determine the extent of his injury. NoniMadueke is a doubt, while DeclanRice, RiccardoCalafiori and ChristosTzolis are available to play. Arsenal is preparing for Sunday's duel, with the intention of maintaining the discipline and competitiveness that the highest category of English football demands.