Mikel Arteta explains angry reaction to Max Dowman after Arsenal red card

Arteta told Dowman after his straight red card that he had warned him before the match to expect rough treatment and not react.

Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup to League Two side Fleetwood on penalties after a disappointing display at Highbury Stadium. Viktor Gyokeres equalised after Fleetwood took the lead, but the Gunners could not find a winner in 90 minutes and lost the shootout when Bruno Guimaraes' penalty was saved.

Max Dowman, 16, was sent off with five minutes remaining after kicking out at Fleetwood defender Harrison Neal in response to a heavy challenge. As the teenager walked to the tunnel, manager Mikel Arteta leaned towards him with crossed arms and delivered angry words. When asked what he had told Dowman, Arteta said: "Something that we discussed already before the match," suggesting he had pre-warned the youngster to expect rough treatment and avoid reacting. It was Dowman's second red card this month, having also been sent off for England's Under-19 side.

Despite the embarrassing loss to a side sitting 18th in League Two, Arteta refused to criticise his players' mentality, saying he could not fault their attitude but acknowledged Arsenal needed to convert their numerous chances rather than rely on penalties.