The Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Carabao Cup clash produced a memorable night at Portman Road as Arsenal defeated Ipswich 4-2 in the third round on September 15, 2026.
The headline performer was Max Dowman, with the 16-year-old Arsenal youngster scoring twice. Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also found the net as Arsenal advanced to the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Ipswich responded with goals from Anis Mehmeti and former Arsenal academy player Chuba Akpom, but the hosts could not overturn Arsenal’s four-goal advantage.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Final Score
Ipswich Town 2-4 Arsenal
Goals
- 7′ — Max Dowman, Arsenal
- 16′ — Noni Madueke, Arsenal
- 47′ — Max Dowman, Arsenal
- 58′ — Mikel Merino, Arsenal
- 62′ — Anis Mehmeti, Ipswich
- 90+1′ — Chuba Akpom, Ipswich
Arsenal had established a 2-0 lead before halftime and then scored twice shortly after the break. Ipswich’s late response made the scoreline closer, but Arsenal had already secured control of the tie.
Max Dowman Steals the Spotlight
The biggest story from Ipswich vs Arsenal was undoubtedly Max Dowman.
The 16-year-old attacker scored Arsenal’s opening goal in the seventh minute after a superb individual move. He then added his second goal just two minutes into the second half.
Dowman’s two-goal performance made him one of the youngest players to score twice in a major domestic cup match for an English top-flight club.
His first goal came after he carried the ball forward, beat the Ipswich defender and calmly finished.
The second arrived shortly after halftime, giving Arsenal a 3-0 advantage.
For supporters searching Max Dowman, Dowman, or Arsenal prodigy, his performance was the major talking point of the match.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Timeline
7′ — Dowman Opens the Scoring
Arsenal took an early lead through Max Dowman.
The teenager’s individual quality was immediately apparent as he created space before finishing the move.
16′ — Madueke Makes It 2-0
Arsenal doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
Noni Madueke capitalized on an Ipswich defensive error and finished to make it 2-0.
47′ — Dowman Scores Again
Dowman returned from halftime and needed only two minutes to score his second goal.
Arsenal were now three goals ahead and firmly in control.
58′ — Merino Adds a Fourth
Mikel Merino made it 4-0 from the edge of the penalty area.
At that point, Arsenal appeared to be heading toward a very comfortable victory.
62′ — Mehmeti Pulls One Back
Ipswich finally responded through Anis Mehmeti, reducing the deficit to 4-1.
90+1′ — Akpom Scores
Former Arsenal player Chuba Akpom scored in stoppage time to make it 4-2.
It was too late for Ipswich to complete a comeback, and Arsenal progressed to the fourth round.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Lineups
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made extensive changes for the Carabao Cup fixture.
Arsenal Starting XI
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Martin Zubimendi, Marli Salmon, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Bruno Guimarães, Mikel Merino; Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, Eberechi Eze; Viktor Gyökeres.
Substitutes included David Raya, Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Ezri Konsa, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, Ife Ibrahim and Theo Julienne.
Ipswich Town Starting XI
Christian Walton; Darnell Furlong, Cédric Kipré, Jacob Greaves, Abdoul Ouattara; Florentino, Marcelino Núñez; Kasey McAteer, Anis Mehmeti, Jaden Philogene; Zian Flemming.
Chuba Akpom was among the substitutes and later scored Ipswich’s second goal.
Theo Julienne Makes Arsenal Senior Debut
Another name attracting searches after the match is Theo Julienne.
The Arsenal youngster made his competitive senior debut against Ipswich, entering the match in the 64th minute at right-back.
His appearance came during a night in which Arsenal gave significant minutes to young players.
That means searches such as Theo Julienne Arsenal, Theo Julienne, and Julienne Arsenal are connected to his first-team debut for the Gunners.
Arsenal’s Young Players Impress
The Ipswich Town vs Arsenal match was notable for the number of young players involved.
Max Dowman started and scored twice, while 17-year-old Marli Salmon started in central defence.
Theo Julienne later came off the bench, while Ife Ibrahim also made an appearance.
The match therefore provided Arsenal with an opportunity to give competitive minutes to several developing players while still progressing in the competition.
Gyökeres Starts for Arsenal
Viktor Gyökeres started the match as Arsenal’s center-forward.
The striker was included in a heavily rotated lineup as Arteta balanced the Carabao Cup with Arsenal’s other competitions.
The presence of experienced players such as Gyökeres, Gabriel, Merino and Bruno Guimarães alongside teenage prospects gave Arsenal a mixture of youth and senior experience.
Arsenal’s Nine Changes
One of the major talking points before kickoff was Arsenal’s team selection.
Arteta made nine changes from the side that had beaten Sunderland in the Premier League.
Kepa Arrizabalaga came into goal, while Bruno Guimarães made his full Arsenal debut. Dowman and Salmon were also handed starts.
Despite the rotation, Arsenal quickly established control.
Ipswich’s Late Fightback
Ipswich Town did not give up after falling four goals behind.
Anis Mehmeti scored in the 62nd minute before Chuba Akpom added another goal in stoppage time.
Akpom’s goal had an additional storyline because he previously came through Arsenal’s academy.
However, the two goals were not enough to change the outcome.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Stats
The key match facts were:
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Carabao Cup |
| Round | Third Round |
| Date | September 15, 2026 |
| Stadium | Portman Road |
| Final Score | Ipswich 2-4 Arsenal |
| Arsenal Scorers | Dowman (2), Madueke, Merino |
| Ipswich Scorers | Mehmeti, Akpom |
| Arsenal Result | Advanced |
| Ipswich Result | Eliminated |
The official starting-lineup information confirms that Arsenal fielded a heavily rotated side while still including several established first-team players.
What the Result Means for Arsenal
Arsenal move into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after eliminating Ipswich Town.
The victory also extends Arsenal’s strong start to the 2026-27 campaign.
For Arteta, the match offered an opportunity to rotate the squad while giving players such as Dowman, Salmon and Julienne valuable competitive experience.
The next Arsenal fixture listed is against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 19, 2026.
What Happens Next for Ipswich?
Ipswich are eliminated from the Carabao Cup following the 4-2 defeat.
Their late goals demonstrated some attacking response, but Arsenal’s early four-goal burst proved decisive.
The focus now shifts back to Ipswich’s league schedule.
Where to Watch Arsenal Today
For fans searching what channel is Arsenal on today, what channel is Arsenal on tonight, or where to watch Carabao Cup, broadcast rights depend on the country.
In the UK, the Ipswich Town vs Arsenal Carabao Cup fixture was scheduled for 8:00 p.m. BST. Pre-match coverage listed the game on Sky Sports+, with talkSPORT also providing radio commentary.
U.S. viewers should check their current local sports listings and streaming providers because competition rights can vary by season and territory.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal FAQ
What was the Ipswich vs Arsenal score?
Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup third round.
Who scored for Arsenal?
Max Dowman scored twice, while Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also scored.
Who scored for Ipswich?
Anis Mehmeti and Chuba Akpom scored for Ipswich.
How old is Max Dowman?
Max Dowman is 16 years old and is one of Arsenal’s highly rated young players.
Did Max Dowman score twice?
Yes. Dowman scored in the 7th and 47th minutes.
Did Theo Julienne play?
Yes. Theo Julienne made his competitive senior Arsenal debut, coming on in the second half.
Did Arsenal advance in the Carabao Cup?
Yes. Arsenal advanced to the fourth round after beating Ipswich 4-2.
Did Viktor Gyökeres start?
Yes. Gyökeres started for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup third-round match.
Where was Ipswich vs Arsenal played?
The match was played at Portman Road, Ipswich Town’s home stadium.
Final Takeaway
The latest Ipswich Town vs Arsenal match became a showcase for Arsenal’s young talent.
Max Dowman was the standout name after scoring twice, while Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also contributed goals. Theo Julienne made his competitive senior debut, adding another important milestone to Arsenal’s night.
Ipswich responded through Mehmeti and Akpom, but Arsenal’s early four-goal advantage proved decisive.
For fans searching Ipswich vs Arsenal, Arsenal vs Ipswich, Max Dowman, Theo Julienne Arsenal, Arsenal score, Ipswich score, Arsenal game today, Arsenal fixtures, Carabao Cup, EFL Cup, Arsenal lineup or where to watch Carabao Cup, the key result is Ipswich Town 2-4 Arsenal, with Arsenal moving into the fourth round.
