Mikel Arteta handed a historic start to 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman for Arsenal’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Mansfield Town. The Hale End graduate became the youngest player to ever start a match in the competition for the Gunners.

Arsenal just about did enough to edge past League One side Mansfield Town in the FA Cup fifth round, running out 2-1 winners on the road on Saturday. Mikel Arteta made several changes to his starting XI and initially lined them up in a 3-5-2 formation with wingers in lieu of wing-backs, which only emboldened their ambitious hosts. Nevertheless, goals in either half helped see the Gunners into the hat for the quarter-finals.

Mikel Arteta has compared Max Dowman's impact as a teenager at Arsenal to Lionel Messi's legendary start at Barcelona as a wonderkid. The Gunners academy product made his debut for the club as a 15-year-old and has broken a number of records for the north London outfit. And after signing a pre-contract with Arsenal, manager Arteta has waxed lyrical about the youngster and likened him to footballing royalty.

Arsenal have moved to ensure that they remain the ones to benefit from Max Dowman’s undoubted potential, with the Gunners agreeing pre-contract terms with the teenage wonderkid. Records have already tumbled for the talented 16-year-old, with the promise of more senior achievements to come as he prepares to sign a long-term deal in north London.

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman is reportedly facing a lengthy spell out after suffering an ankle ligament injury. The 15-year-old was in action in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United at the weekend and was left hurt after a heavy challenge.