EPL: You’re not in Disneyland – Arteta issues fresh warning to Max Dowman
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has defended his response to the recent sending-off of player Max Dowman during a Carabao Cup match against Fleetwood Town earlier this week.
Dowman received a straight red card in the 85th minute of the match for retaliating after a heavy challenge. The 16-year-old defender will now serve a three-game suspension, commencing with Arsenal’s Premier League match against Liverpool this weekend.
In a media briefing on Friday, Arteta emphasized the importance of adapting to the physicality of top-level football. “What do you expect? That’s the level and that’s the reaction. Whether it’s right or wrong, that’s the reaction,” he said. Arteta also noted that the pressures of the sport demand resilience from players.
“We are not in Disneyland; we are in the Premier League,” he continued. “We look after him so much, but we also set high standards. He needs to earn the right to play; otherwise, what will the rest of the team think?”
