Mikel Arteta has hailed Max Dowman after the 16-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton. Dowman, who came on as a substitute with 15 minutes remaining, first set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener in the 89th minute before scoring himself into an empty net after Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had gone up for a corner.
Arteta described the moment as 'not normal' and one of the best he has witnessed at the Emirates Stadium. 'Every time he got the ball, he made things happen. To do that at that age, in this context, with this pressure, it is just not normal,' Arteta said.
Dowman had missed three months of the season with an ankle injury but impressed in the FA Cup win over Mansfield last weekend, earning a place on the bench against Everton. Arteta admitted he had a 'gut feeling' to bring on the teenager, adding: 'He doesn't seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent. He just plays so naturally.'
The win keeps Arsenal in the title race, but the focus was firmly on Dowman's historic achievement. Arteta said of the youngster's solo run: 'For me, it felt like 45 seconds. It was so loud, so energetic. What a moment.'
