Dowman makes history as Arsenal stretch lead over City

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 scorer and move his side nine points ‌clear 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 in the 74th minute with Arsenal running out of ideas ​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 finally break the stalemate.

Then came the ⁠moment that will be remembered by all those present in the stadium.

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.

Essex-born Dowman became the youngest scorer for Arsenal, beating Cesc Fabregas who was 16 years and 212 days when he opened his account for the club in a League Cup match in 2003.

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

Arsenal’s late burst put them on 70 points from 31 games and their day got even ​better later as Manchester City could only draw 1-1 at West Ham United to be on 61 from 30 matches.

Dowman’s history-making goal erased the memory of what ​was a tortuous 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.

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 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 arrived to produce a cameo that may just prove decisive in Arsenal’s title quest.-Reuters

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