Max Dowman is 16. He just made Premier League history and entered Arsenal folklore

London: Joyous Arsenal fans toasted a new young hero as Max Dowman, aged 16 years and 73 days,
sealed a vital 2-0 home win over Everton to become the youngest Premier League goalscorer to provide a telling moment in the title race on Saturday.

It had been another nervous night at The Emirates as Arsenal laboured against Everton, but all that was forgotten when substitute Dowman produced a magical moment with virtually the last kick to spark an eruption of celebrations.

Dowman came off the bench along with Viktor Gyokeres on the hour mark, with Arsenal running out of ideas and in danger of surrendering control of their destiny as they grind towards a first title since 2004.

But it was Dowman’s sensational cross that caused havoc in the Everton defence in the 89th minute and left Gyokeres with the simplest of tap-ins to break the stalemate.

Then came the moment that will be remembered.

With Everton keeper Jordan Pickford up the field for a last-gasp corner for the visitors, the ball broke to Dowman, who headed the ball around one Everton player, side-stepped another and ran half the length of the pitch to slot the ball into an empty goal with the Arsenal fans in delirium.

Max Dowman celebrates becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.Credit: AP

Essex-born Dowman became the youngest scorer for Arsenal, beating club great Cesc Fabregas.

Everton’s James Vaughan was the previous youngest Premier League scorer at 16 years and 270 days in 2005.

“It was a great moment, especially the way the goal built up, we had like 10, 15 seconds to really enjoy actually what was about to happen,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.

“And it was magical, all the fans and all the players together jumping off the crowd. It was a beautiful day.

Max Dowman and Arsenal teammate Eberechi Eze celebrate his goal.Credit: Getty Images

“We create memories and moments, and for many years, people who were here tonight will say I was there when that 16-year-old kid scored that goal.”

Dowman’s history-making goal erased the memory of what was a torturous night for the hosts, who were gripped with tension.

Victory had looked unlikely as they rode their luck, especially in the first half, when Everton showed why they have one of the best away records in the league.

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While the hosts should have had a penalty when Kai Havertz was tripped in the area by Michael Keane, it was the visitors who carved out the better chances.

Arsenal had looked devoid of inspiration but Dowman, who has not even sat his GCSE exams, changed the game when he came on for his third Premier League appearance.

With the likes of Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Gyokeres bogged down, the fearless Dowman produced a cameo that may prove decisive in Arsenal’s title quest.

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