Carabao Cup: Arsenal Beat Ipswich 4-2 as Dowman Stars

Arsenal advanced in the Carabao Cup after defeating Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road, with teenage forward Max Dowman scoring twice.

Dowman opened the scoring after seven minutes as Arsenal made a fast start against the Championship side.

Noni Madueke doubled the advantage nine minutes later, leaving Arsenal in firm control before half-time.

Ipswich gradually settled into the contest and created moments that tested Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa made several important saves, while Marli Salmon also produced a timely block to protect Arsenal’s advantage.

Gabriel made key interventions as Ipswich searched for a way back into the game.

Arsenal, however, retained their two-goal advantage at the interval.

The visitors made a change at the break, with Ezri Konsa replacing Gabriel as manager Mikel Arteta continued to manage his squad.

Dowman struck again two minutes after the restart to put Arsenal 3-0 ahead.

The youngster showed composure inside the area before finishing to complete his brace and underline his growing influence.

Arsenal continued to create chances, although Ipswich remained dangerous on the counter.

Kepa made another good save, while Madueke came close to setting up a fifth goal when his cross travelled across the face of goal.

Viktor Gyökeres could not reach the delivery as Arsenal struggled at times to find their striker in dangerous positions.

Mikel Merino then added Arsenal’s fourth goal in the 58th minute, seemingly putting the outcome beyond doubt.

Ipswich responded with a series of substitutions around the hour mark and immediately increased the pressure.

The hosts pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute, giving their supporters renewed hope of a remarkable comeback.

Arteta responded by continuing to rotate his squad and provide valuable minutes for several younger players.

Kepa became increasingly involved as Ipswich pushed forward, making saves, claiming crosses and dealing with the hosts’ attacking pressure.

Arteta made further changes in the 76th minute, with Martin Ødegaard and Tzolis replacing Eberechi Eze and Madueke.

Ibrahim later replaced Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal sought to see out the contest.

Ipswich refused to surrender and scored again in stoppage time through Chuba Akpom.

The late goal reduced the deficit to two, but Arsenal held on to secure a 4-2 victory and progress to the next round.

The result gave Arteta’s side four goals away from home, while Dowman’s brace provided the standout individual contribution.

Arteta will still have defensive issues to examine after Ipswich scored twice, but the victory also allowed Arsenal to rotate their squad and give valuable playing time to academy players.

For Dowman, the night offered another significant moment as his two goals helped Arsenal negotiate a difficult cup tie and move into the next round.