LONDON – If Arsenal is to maintain its status in the EFL Cup, this is the strategy to employ. With no key players put at risk, squad members were afforded essential game-time while the talents from Hale End made a significant impact. Earning a quarterfinal spot in the competition only enhances the achievement.
Yet, while silverware should never be dismissed, especially for a club with a long wait to add more honors, Arsenal’s ambitions must remain higher. One must consider, if at season’s end Mikel Arteta were to lift the EFL Cup and nothing beyond that, would pundits commend him? Likely not, as it would mean squandering a favorable position at the pinnacle of the Premier League.
Currently, Arsenal holds a four-point lead while showcasing the most effective football throughout England, thus their objective in additional tournaments is to avoid harming their push for more significant trophies. Last season’s two-legged semifinal defeat at the hands of Newcastle led to injuries for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, severely impacting their title hopes. While they likely wouldn’t have clinched the title, they might have done so in the spring of 2023 had key players such as William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu not been sidelined during their Europa League exit against Sporting.
To combat such scenarios, Arsenal has made strides since last season’s end. They now have deeper squads in every position, evident in their performance. The lineup from this evening saw ten changes from the squad that battled past Crystal Palace the prior Saturday. When facing Burnley this weekend, it would be unsurprising if everyone bar Eberechi Eze was rotated out of the lineup. Even without significant players like Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli, the team still included a debutant from Bundesliga champions, a reliable captain in Spain’s midfield, and England’s starting left-back.
Each player served as mere support to the undeniable highlight of the match. The exhilaration before kickoff revealed how many attended to witness Max Dowman, the youngest starter in the club’s 138-year history at 15 years and 302 days. Eight years ago, he was merely an eight-year-old when Bukayo Saka debuted, six when his manager concluded his playing career, and just over a year old when Arsenal fell to Birmingham in the finals of this very competition. Every detail about Dowman strikes those years older reminiscing their younger days in engaging with this media format. And worst of all? He likely knows what six-seven translates to in the current game context.
His opponents, particularly Maxime De Cuyper, must have found it challenging to contend against Dowman, who, even at such a young age, showcases impeccable skill and football intuition. Dowman hasn’t yet secured a goal or an assist, but there’s plenty of time ahead as he remains younger than Cesc Fabregas at the end of the current season. Based on Wednesday’s performance, it’s rational to aspire to such a noteworthy career.
Alleviating the burden placed upon Dowman is critical. In response to his debut start, Arteta noted: “A tiny smile. That’s what you receive from him. Everything feels natural for him. He just plays football with immense bravery and effort. Today, he illustrated extraordinary ability and a knack for maneuvering past Premier League opponents at only 15. It’s something remarkable.”
Ethan Nwaneri, the record holder Dowman has surpassed, despite initial hesitance, revitalized himself in the second half by driving play forward and positioning himself in dangerous areas. A clever flick from Mikel Merino and a well-placed ball from Myles Lewis-Skelly propelled Arsenal into the next round. Saka ensured their progression as one of the key players brought on from the bench aimed at maintaining the rhythm.
As another developer lagged on the field, Christian Norgaard displayed rustiness, just as expected for someone returning to action. Conversely, Ben White was vibrant – playing with the understanding that he must be among the premier right-backs globally to unseat Jurrien Timber. Piero Hincapie exuded aggression without the ball yet maintained precision with it, embodying the traits expected in the Gabriel Magalhaes position. Even Andre Harriman-Annous, less publicized, contributed significantly with an energetic display leading the forward line.
Arsenal possess greater challenges ahead and departing the competition at this juncture would not significantly disappoint Arteta. Nevertheless, securing wins is always beneficial, especially when executed without jeopardizing the potential for forthcoming victories that truly matter.
