Arsenal hand 16-year-old Max Dowman historic FA Cup start

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. Arteta also fielded 16-year-old defender Marli Salmon from the off.

The presence of the two youngsters in the starting XI made history as Arsenal became the first Premier League team to field two players aged 16 or younger as starters in any competition. In August of last year, Arteta praised the excellent work done by the club's academy, saying: "It shows the hard work that has been done at the academy over the years." Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table, seven points clear of Manchester City, albeit their title rivals have a game in hand.

Following this cup tie, the Gunners will shift their focus to the European stage, with Arteta's side facing Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

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