“I have played against Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer so many times but that guy did guy did one thing that nobody has done against us…He’ll be unstoppable in Premier League next season”: Newcastle United’s superstar Joelinton hails ONE Arsenal’s player who did what Cole Palmer and Bukayo can never try
Singapore over the weekend, with the two English clubs meeting in pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Gunners came away with a 3-2 win, but the real story of the game was the substitute appearance of Max Dowman.
The 15-year-old came off the bench with the game level at 2-2, and quickly showed why there is so much hype around him. In his 30-minute cameo, he completed four out of four passes, won six out of eight duels, and completed 2/3 dribbles. More than just that though, he looked a massive threat on the ball, completing his only attempted cross, getting off two shots and winning three fouls – the most of any player on the pitch.
Two of those fouls came from Joelinton. The first was when the Newcastle midfielder clattered into Dowman, and Arsenal fans were not happy with the rough treatment.
Joelinton Clashes With Max Dowman
15-year-old Arsenal talent got the better of Newcastle star
Despite his tender age, Mikel Arteta clearly has a lot of faith in Dowman and will view these games as a way of acclimatising the youngster to senior football. That said, the Spaniard must have flinched when Joelinton – known for his tough tackling – put in a characteristically firm challenge on the teen.
The Englishman dropped his shoulder to step inside and evade the Brazilian, who was not content to be beaten by a player nearly half his age. And so, the 28-year-old swung out a flailing arm, catching Dowman on the face.
Arsenal fans were not happy as they took to social media to condemn the challenge. One remarked: “Joelinton is a nasty player I swear.” Another wrote: “Belongs in prison, the thug.”
Others said: “He’s soooooo talentless.” One more commented: “This player is bad; he relies on injuring other players.”
Joelinton Offers Dowman Verdict
Mikel Arteta was blown away by the Arsenal teenager
Dowman would have the last laugh, though, as he would get the better of Joelinton to win a penalty in the latter stages of the game. The Newcastle man would bundle over the youngster, allowing Martin Odegaard (who has been helping his young teammate adapt on the pitch) to net the winner from 12 yards.
Speaking after the friendly, Joelinton was quizzed about the 15-year-old wonderkid and, despite their clashes on the pitch, had nothing but kind words to say. He remarked:
“He’s a really good player with a bright future in front of him, and I wish him all the best.”
Arteta also raved about the player after the win. He told reporters: “Yeah, it is special. Obviously, what he’s done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. We are extremely happy to have him.
“I think again the environment that he’s around in, his family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time.”
Arsenal will meet Newcastle in the Premier League on 28 September. The new season will be well underway by that stage, so it will be fascinating to see if Downman has played any senior minutes by that stage.
