In the fifth round match of the English Cup against the representative of the First League, Mansfield Town (2:1), Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta also demonstrated confidence in the club’s youth, setting up the youngest possible starting stock.

The main surprise was the appearance on the field of 16-year defensive player Max Douman. The Vichovanets Academy became the youngest player in the history of Arsenal, having once left the starting warehouse as part of the FA Cup. Krim nogo, from the first Khvylins on the field of Viyshov, another 16-year talent - reserve Marli Salmon.

This decision of the Londoners went down in history: Arsenal became the first club of the English Premier League to release two players under the age of 16 from the starting warehouse for an official match in any tournament.

The intense flight of both youngsters began even before the hour of the team's pre-season tour to Asia in 2025.. Max Dowman made his official debut for his senior team in the 2025 season just before the victory over Leeds (5:0) in the Premier League. With his help, Salmon played for the first time in the same team in the Champions League match against Brugge (3:0).

Mikel Arteta highly appreciated the work of the club academy: “This shows what great work has been done in the academy by fate.

These boys come to the first team and perform on the highest level, without lacking the necessary professional qualifications. This is the merit of the skin practitioner to the club,” said the mentor.

The main team is doing well: Arsenal is leading the Premier League standings, ahead of Manchester City by 7 points (however, the locals have a game in hand). Now Arteta’s followers are turning their attention to the European Cups, and ahead of them is looking forward to the first match of the 1/8 finals of the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen.