‘If that was Gyokeres’ – Paul Merson questions Arteta’s reaction to Max Dowman’s red card

Paul Merson criticized Mikel Arteta's stern reaction toward 16-year-old Max Dowman following the teenager's red card during Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat against Fleetwood Town. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson argued that the dismissal was harsh and questioned whether Arteta would have treated an experienced international like Viktor Gyökeres with the same severe reprimand.

Merson stated that Arteta should have offered support rather than scolding the young player while the match was tied 1-1. The report noted that Arteta's frustration may stem from squad issues, as injuries to Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, and Noni Madueke leave Dowman's impending suspension costly ahead of Arsenal's match against Liverpool.