Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at 16 years and 73 days, scoring in a 2-0 win over Everton that could prove pivotal in the title race. The teenager came off the bench in the 68th minute and immediately changed the game, providing the incisiveness Arsenal had lacked for much of the match.
Manager Mikel Arteta admitted he had a 'gut feeling' about Dowman after watching him in training. 'It's not only the goal that he scored. I think he changed the game. Every time he got the ball, he made things happen. It looked like we were more of a threat,' Arteta said.
Before Dowman's introduction, Arsenal struggled to break down a well-organised Everton side. David Moyes's team reduced the game to physical duels, and Arsenal's frustration was evident. Goalkeeper David Raya was forced to play sideways passes, and the team resorted to hurried long shots and needless free kicks.
On 89 minutes, Dowman delivered a cross that caused indecision in the Everton defence. Jordan Pickford came for the ball but made a mistake, leaving Piero Hincapie to square for Viktor Gyokeres to tap in. The goal sparked wild celebrations, with Arteta leaping in joy.
Dowman then sealed the win in stoppage time, picking up the ball on the counter-attack and calmly slotting past Pickford. 'You turn around and you see the bench and those eyes just with that happiness, that joy that you're almost not believing what has just happened,' Arteta added.
The victory moves Arsenal closer to the top of the table, and Dowman's impact has already drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats. His 22-minute cameo may well be remembered as a turning point in both the title race and his burgeoning career.
