Gary Neville has revealed he became emotional watching Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, as 16-year-old Max Dowman etched his name into Premier League history.
Dowman, who replaced the injured Bukayo Saka in the 72nd minute, scored the Gunners' second goal in stoppage time, becoming the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at 16 years and 87 days. The teenager picked up the ball inside his own half, dribbled past two Everton defenders, and slotted into an empty net after Jordan Pickford had gone up for a corner.
Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, said he was so moved by the moment that he called his wife, Emma, to watch the replay. "I actually got emotional just for the young kid. It was special in a number of ways. He’s touched all parts of his body to score while gliding with the ball – a beautiful goal," Neville said.
The former Manchester United defender added that Dowman's goal felt like a defining moment in Arsenal's modern history, especially given their 22-year wait for a league title. The 2-0 win, combined with Manchester City's draw at West Ham, has left Arsenal nine points clear at the top of the Premier League table, although City have a game in hand.
Arsenal now turn their attention to a Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, followed by a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
