Arteta defends heated Dowman reprimand: “We are not in Disneyland”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he angry reaction to Max Dowman in midweek came "in a moment of heat and extreme frustration" but said the teenager must learn that 'we are not in Disneyland'.

Dowman was sent off after reacting to a firm challenge during Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup exit at League Two Fleetwood Town. As the 16-year-old left the pitch, Arteta leaned in to chastise the winger, in a reaction that has been criticised this week.

Arteta addressed the incident at his pre-match press conference, ahead of Arsenal's trip to Liverpool in the Premier League.

He defended his reaction to the teenager, and said Dowman must learn how to handle the pressure of senior football.

"This is the environment, this is the reality," said Arteta. "We are not in Disneyland, we are in the Premier League.

"We look after him so much but at the same time we're going to be demanding because he needs to earn the right to play, just like everybody else, because the other boys, what are they going to say? You need to be fair.. and when we don't win, I am [expletive] off."

Asked whether he had spoken to Dowman directly, Arteta added: "My reaction comes from a moment of heat and extreme frustration because I know the consequences of that, especially for Max. It is something we discussed just before we went out because it is not the first time it has happened, it happened another time [earlier] this month with England [Under-19s]. And it will continue to happen because of the way he plays and the way he attracts opponents and that's it.

"We have to be able to tell each other what we think because he is 16 and we have to be very protective of him, but at the same time very straight with him about what we expect of him towards the team, individuals and the club."