Overview

• Confirmed team news lists the midfielder among Arsenal’s substitutes at Vale Park, with a rotated XI and Kepa Arrizabalaga starting in goal.
• Pre-match coverage had suggested a potential first senior start that would have broken the club’s youngest-starter record, but matchday selection leaves him in reserve.
• Dowman has already made two first-team appearances off the bench this season after accelerating through the academy pathway.
• Arteta described the teenager’s response to physical treatment in training as exceptionally composed, noting he “just gets up” when kicked.
• Rotation and injuries have opened opportunities for youngsters and new signings, with Christian Norgaard handed a full debut and Myles Lewis-Skelly starting, while Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Piero Hincapie remain out.