Following Arsenal's loss to Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup, former player and pundit Paul Merson expressed disapproval regarding how manager Mikel Arteta handled the dismissal of teenager Max Dowman. Dowman, a highly-rated prospect within the Arsenal academy, was shown a red card during the match, an event that drew significant attention due to the player's age and status as a rising talent.

Merson’s critique centers on the managerial approach to disciplining or supporting a young player in the immediate aftermath of such a high-pressure mistake. While specific details regarding Arteta's exact comments or physical reaction on the touchline were not fully detailed in initial reports, Merson suggested that the manager's response was not conducive to the development of a young player. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the expectations placed on academy players when they are integrated into the senior squad for cup competitions.

There is currently a lack of clarity regarding the specific nature of Arteta's reaction that prompted Merson's disapproval. While Merson views the manager's conduct as potentially damaging to the player's confidence, other observers have noted that high-stakes environments like the EFL Cup often lead to intense reactions from managers who are under pressure to secure results. As of now, neither Arsenal Football Club nor Mikel Arteta has issued a formal response to Merson’s public comments.