"When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear," Mikel Arteta said following Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood during which Max Dowman was sent off.

Dowman is one of best young players in Europe and tough treatment from defenders is something Arteta has previously said the 16-year-old will have to get used to.

However, former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson disagreed with Arteta's handling of the aftermath of the red card. The Spaniard was seen saying something to the youngster as he neared the tunnel.

"You have to remember he is 16 years of age - he's a kid," Merson said on Sky Sports.

"He wasn't having the greatest of nights so he's going to get frustrated. He gets the chance every now and then to play for Arsenal.

"He probably feels he should be playing more. He gets the chance tonight, isn't doing too great. It's an old-fashioned tackle.

"If that's Viktor Gyokeres, he [Arteta] isn't doing that. That's what I don't like. If it's an experienced international, I don't think he does that. He's a human being.

"He's not the last person to get sent off for Arsenal and he's not the first.

"For me, I'd put my arm round him. It's still 1-1 and you are in the game.

"We all say things in life when you think 'I shouldn't have said that'. For me that's a classic moment where if he [Arteta] could have that back, he'd do it different."

Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes a lack of experience that played into Dowman's red.

"It was on the far side of the pitch, but from what we saw Dowman can't have any complaints," Osman said on 5Live.

"Yes, there were a lot of challenges flying in thick and fast from both teams and then there was that moment when a huge challenge came in on him, but as I mentioned earlier they happen so often.

"And you have to know as a good player, people are going to try to kick you at times, and that's what happened.

"It was a poor reaction from him and you hope he learns and he learns quickly."

Do you think Arteta's reaction to Dowman's sending off was harsh and should he have responded differently? Or do you think this could be a moment the talented youngster could learn from?