Mikel Arteta's furious message to Max Dowman after the 16-year-old was sent off in Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood has been revealed by a lip reader. The teenage midfielder was shown a red card with four minutes remaining of Tuesday night's match at Highbury, with the score locked at 1-1.
Dowman had largely matched up well against the League Two side after being chosen to start the fixture. His dismissal came after his leg became caught by Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal, who dived in and hooked the ball over the touchline for a throw-in. Dowman then jabbed Neal with his leg, prompting a melee between players from both teams.
Arteta's words to Dowman
Referee Michael Salisbury wasted no time in brandishing the red card, leaving Arsenal a man short for the final moments while Dowman headed towards the tunnel. As he passed head coach Arteta, the Spaniard was spotted shouting something at the 16-year-old.
Lipreading expert Nicola Hickling, working alongside Covers.com, has revealed what she believes was communicated to Dowman. The expert suggests Arteta told the player: "Get in the changing room, Max," apparently exasperated by his early departure.
Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit
Arsenal were eventually eliminated from the Carabao Cup on the evening, losing on penalties. Aaron Loupalo-Bi had broken the deadlock for the hosts 21 minutes into the contest, the Fulham loanee evading Marli Salmon before firing home past an advancing Illan Meslier.
Viktor Gyokeres levelled proceedings five minutes into the second half, connecting with Ceadach O'Neill's delivery from the left to finish past Jay Lynch. With both teams deadlocked at full-time, a penalty shootout followed to determine who would reach the quarter-finals.
Ronan Coughlan, Neal, Will Davies and Andy Cannon all scored from 12 yards, while Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Gyokeres fulfilled their responsibilities for Arsenal. Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort saved, and Conor Haughey then converted as Fleetwood won 5-3 on penalties, sending Arsenal crashing out of the tournament.
