The Arsenal manager was unhappy that the Football Association rejected the club's appeal against the 16-year-old's dismissal at Fleetwood Town, but insisted his responsibility was to protect the youngster while ensuring he understood the demands of playing for Arsenal.
“Very disappointed, to be fair. Especially with the reckless tackles that he received, and then his reaction is minimal in relation to the action. Disappointed that it's not been overturned after looking at the action back, to be fair.”
Arteta was particularly concerned about the potential consequences of the challenge.
“It could have been really bad, yeah. And we are lucky today that he hasn't had a broken foot. That's clear.”
The Spaniard also explained that his reaction as Dowman left the pitch was influenced by a conversation they had before the match.
“My reaction comes in a moment of heat and extreme frustration, because I know the consequences of that, especially for Max. It's something that we discussed just before we went out, because it's not the first time that happened.
“We need to be able to tell each other the things as they are, because he's 16, and we have to be very protective of him. But at the same time very straight with him with what to expect from him towards the team, the individuals and the club.”
Arteta confirmed that the pair had spoken again and there was no problem between them.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, I had a talk with him yesterday. No issues at all. I've done it, so I try to prevent that.”
Arsenal's responsibility to Dowman
The manager was unapologetic when discussing the standards expected of the teenager, arguing that protecting him did not mean treating him differently from the rest of the squad.
“We look after him so much that you cannot imagine. But at the same time, we're going to demand him like to anybody else because he needs to earn the right to play. Otherwise, the rest of the boys, what are they going to tell me? You need to be fair.”
He also explained why the physical demands of senior football were a particular concern.
“If a player that weighs 95 kilos, 100 kilos, comes at 35 kilometres an hour to Max and hits a bone, I don't know what happens. So when we talk about protecting him, but the week before you were asking me why he's not playing every week when he's done really well against Everton, so we really need to put as well some perspective in every context of the player that we have.”
Team news before Anfield
Arsenal have several fitness decisions ahead of Liverpool. Noni Madueke remains a doubt, while Bukayo Saka is awaiting another scan.
“Probably. As I said, he needed another scan to see how the amount of fluid that was there was resolving, whether the tendon is touched and how badly it is touched. Afterwards we'll know more about it,” Arteta said of Saka.
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis have all returned to training.
“They all trained today and they will train tomorrow. If everything is ok, they will be available.”
Arteta also acknowledged the significance of the trip to Anfield, where Arsenal have not won a Premier League match since 2012.
“It's an opportunity. I mean, I came here and in many places we were 20, 22 years, 18 years without winning, and we've been doing all these things. So on Sunday, that's the opportunity that we have.”
He added that Arsenal must travel with conviction and a clear purpose if they are to end that record.