Wayne Rooney sends Max Dowman message after historic Arsenal debut and Mikel Arteta claim

Max Dowman of Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has offered some advice to Max Dowman after the Arsenal teenage sensation made his first-team debut against Leeds United on Saturday .

Dowman became the second youngest player in Premier League history when he came on, aged 15 years and 235 days, at the Emirates Stadium, only behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri (15 years and 181 days).

He replaced Noni Madueke in the 64th minute and impressed during his time on the pitch. Dowman wasn't afraid to get a shot off, while he won the penalty leading to Arsenal's fifth goal and Gyokeres' second of the evening.

Rooney is among a select couple that can relate to Dowman's experience. He made his Everton debut aged 16 in August 2002 and was still five days short of his 17th birthday when he netted that infamous late winner against Arsenal two months later, becoming the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer in the process.

Speaking on his new BBC podcast , The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney reflected on personal experience of making his senior debut so young and some of the challenges Dowman could face in the coming months and years.

"To play at that age in the Premier League is crazy," Rooney said. "I know I played when I was young, but I think he's like 150 days younger than I was or more.

"It's just refreshing to see a young lad get his opportunity, and, even though he's playing for Arsenal, every time he cuts inside you go 'shoot'. You want him to put it in the top corner."

Although Dowman didn't score or assist on his Arsenal debut, he won a late penalty and Rooney was relieved that he didn't take it. "If he gets it and scores, it's great, but I was thinking if he misses that's the difference in being an absolute success story and... all of sudden you get everyone, not everyone, but online people having a go at him.

"So I was really pleased he didn't, but it was such an impressive debut."

Gyokeres and Timber, meanwhile, both scored a brace and Bukayo Saka netted the other as Arsenal thrashed Leeds 5-0 to record a second win from their opening two Premier League fixtures.

"It's exactly how we wanted to start the first game, we won in a really convincing way," Arteta said on his side's performance. "You could sense something, especially in the atmosphere before the match.

"I think we have to be very proud of the way we played, the way we dominated the game, not conceding any shots almost, and the clean sheet. On top of that, a lot of good moments.

"Viktor scoring his first two goals for the club, I'm thrilled and delighted for Jurrien after that long time after injuring his ankle and the hours that he's put in with all the physios and the medical department to score two goals at Emirates Stadium, very special.

"[Cristhian] Mosquera making his debut as well for the club, and then one of the highlights, without any question of a doubt, Max coming in at 15 and making his debut and winning a penalty. So very proud."