What did Arteta tell Max Dowman? Arsenal opens up on silly red card vs Fleetwood Town

Mikel Arteta has explained what he told Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was sent off in Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town. The Gunners boss has faced criticism after footage of his reaction went viral, with former players questioning his treatment of the youngster.

Mikel Arteta has revealed what he told Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was sent off during Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup exit against Fleetwood Town. The Arsenal manager has faced criticism from fans, former footballers and pundits after a video of his seemingly harsh reaction towards the teenager went viral on social media.

Dowman was sent off for violent conduct following an altercation with Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal, with Arsenal eventually losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Asked about his exchange with the youngster as he walked down the tunnel, Arteta told reporters,

"It was something that we discussed before the game."

The Arsenal manager refused to elaborate when pressed further on what he had told Dowman. He was also asked about the dismissal, with Sky Sports co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe suggesting the decision was harsh on the teenager.

"I haven't seen it with the camera. You can't really see what happens. The decision was made by the referee and that's it," Arteta responded.

"And even with 10 men, we had three big chances to score the second goal," he added.

Dowman's dismissal came in just his second start of the season, having scored twice in Arsenal's previous Carabao Cup round against Ipswich. The 16-year-old was handed another opportunity amid injuries to Arsenal's wide options, but his reaction to Neal's challenge became one of the defining moments of a night to forget for the Gunners.

HOW FLEETWOOD STUNNED ARSENAL

Arsenal dominated possession against their League Two opponents, registering 26 shots and controlling 78 per cent of the ball, but failed to turn that superiority into victory.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, Fleetwood held their nerve in the penalty shootout to knock the Premier League champions out of the competition.

The result was a significant upset, with Arsenal unable to find a winner even after creating chances with 10 men. The defeat also extended their wait for a League Cup title, which they have not won since 1993.

ARTETA ON ARSENAL'S ATTITUDE

Arteta suggested that Dowman had been warned about the emotional demands of the contest before kick-off and needed to learn from the incident.

"When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to expect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate," the Arsenal manager said.

However, the footage of Arteta appearing to reprimand Dowman as he walked towards the tunnel drew criticism, with former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson among those who questioned the manager's response to a player who is still only 16.

"You have to remember he is 16 years of age, he's a kid." Merson said in Sky Sports.

Merson felt Arteta should have offered the youngster reassurance, particularly with the match still level at the time of the dismissal, rather than appearing to berate him as he left the pitch.

Dowman's dismissal was also his second red card this month after he was sent off while representing England Under-19s during the international break. The teenager now faces an important lesson in managing his emotions as he continues his development at Arsenal, while Arteta's reaction has prompted a wider debate over how young players should be handled in difficult moments.

Arsenal, meanwhile, must quickly turn their attention back to the Premier League. Arteta's side are set to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 1, before travelling to the Czech Republic to take on Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, Arsenal will hope the disappointment at Fleetwood does not affect their momentum in the league and Europe.