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• Victor Ikpeba advises Max Dowman to stay grounded after historic Premier League moment

  Victor Ikpeba has warned Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to remain disciplined and patient following his record-breaking goal against Everton, highlighting the immense challenges of sustaining a career at the elite level. ​Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has advised Arsenal’s Max Dowman to stay grounded after becoming the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer. Speaking on SuperSport, the former Super Eagles striker praised the 16-year-old’s “brilliant” solo effort but emphasized the need for long-term consistency. Ikpeba noted the difficulty of the path ahead, stating, “The boy is a young lad. I wish he won’t get carried away quickly.” ​The former Monaco forward highlighted that early promise does not guarantee future success, urging Dowman to trust manager Mikel Arteta’s development plan. Ikpeba warned that many prodigies struggle to fulfill their potential without immense patience and work ethic. Reflecting on the competition at a top club, he added, “He still has 10 or 15 years to prove that he can play football at the highest level.”

• Former coach apologises following backlash from Max Dowman’s father

  Temisan Williams has issued a public apology to the family of 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman after the player’s father accused him of “self-promotion” during a radio appearance following the teenager’s record-breaking Premier League goal.

  Former Arsenal Academy coach ​Temisan Williams apologized to the Dowman family after being criticized by the player’s father, Robert, for discussing the youngster’s development on talkSPORT.

  Robert Dowman dismissed the coach’s involvement, stating on social media, “I remember him putting the cones out at training a few times but that’s about it.”

  Williams subsequently vowed to refrain from further commentary, writing, “Going forward, I will not be discussing Max Dowman’s development.”

  ​The dispute follows Dowman’s historic goal against Everton, which made him the youngest scorer in Premier League history.

  While Williams claimed to have been an assistant coach for the Under-12s, the Dowman family has instead credited academy scout Johnny Knight for the player’s rapid rise.

  Despite the off-field friction, the teenager remains a centerpiece of Arsenal’s title charge, having provided a vital assist and goal during the 2-0 win.

• Thierry Henry issues stark warning to Arsenal over Max Dowman

  Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has praised teenage sensation Max Dowman after he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, while warning the club to protect the “special talent” from excessive early pressure.

  ​Max Dowman, 16, stunned the Emirates on Saturday by slaloming past two defenders to score in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton.

  The goal made him the youngest scorer in the Premier League era, leaving club icon Thierry Henry in awe.

  Henry admitted on Monday Night Football, “I get goosebumps, to be honest,” but added, “We also need to protect him, and not go too far too early.”

  ​Manager Mikel Arteta described Dowman as a “game-changer” who appeared unfazed by the global spotlight.

  Despite the clamor for more appearances, the teenager is expected to feature sparingly over the coming weeks to focus on his upcoming GCSE examinations.

  Fellow pundit Wayne Rooney supported this measured approach, noting that for a talent this young, “education first” remains the most important priority for his long-term development.

• Premier League clubs eye major Champions League comebacks to avoid historical wipeout

  Six Premier League clubs are fighting to avoid a total European collapse this week, with Manchester City and Chelsea needing historic “remontadas” to overturn heavy first-leg deficits against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

  ​The Premier League faces a potential “referendum” on its global dominance as Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all require near-perfect performances to stay in the Champions League.

  City trail Real Madrid 3-0, while Chelsea and Spurs both face daunting 5-2 deficits. Bernardo Silva remains hopeful, noting,

  “With one goal, the atmosphere of the ground will change,” though no team has overturned a three-goal margin since 2019.

  ​Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior echoed the need for flawless execution against holders PSG, who were devastating on the break in the first leg.

  While the London club famously overcame the Parisians in 2014, Luis Enrique’s side appears more resolute this season.

  Rosenior emphasized the scale of the challenge on Tuesday, stating his side must be “perfect” to exorcise the ghosts of their recent 5-2 hammering in France.

  ​Elsewhere, Liverpool must overturn a 1-0 deficit against Galatasaray at Anfield, while Newcastle United and Arsenal defend 1-1 draws against Barcelona and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

  The stakes are high for the English game, which risk a “spectacular comedown” from the historic high of having six teams in the last 16.

  As Miguel Delaney observed, “the odds of more than half the teams going through don’t look good.”

• Predicted Arsenal line-up against Bayer Leverkusen

  Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen in a high-stakes Champions League second leg tonight at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta expected to make key defensive and attacking rotations to manage injuries and a looming cup final.

  ​Arsenal face a selection puzzle following the loss of Jurrien Timber, who sustained an injury during the weekend’s win over Everton.

  With captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino also sidelined, Eberechi Eze is expected to retain his creative role in the No. 10 position.

  Defensively, Arteta must choose between the experienced Ben White and youngster Cristhian Mosquera at right-back to partner the established William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

  ​In attack, Viktor Gyokeres is tipped to lead the line as Arsenal looks to manage Kai Havertz’s workload ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

  Leandro Trossard has returned to training and could start on the left, potentially pushing Gabriel Martinelli to the bench.

  Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are vying for the right-wing spot, as the Gunners aim to capitalize on their formidable home record of 13 wins in 16 Champions League matches.

  ​Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.