Arsenal's teen record-breaker Dowman inspires win
Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at 16 years and 73 days, as his inspired cameo propelled Arsenal to a potentially pivotal 2-0 win over Everton.
The 16-year-old came off the bench and played a crucial role in Viktor Gyokeres's 89th-minute goal before scoring with the final kick of the game to seal victory and send Arsenal, at least temporarily, 10 points clear of Manchester City.
Everton was without James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in defence, but went agonisingly close on several occasions, with Dwight McNeil forcing a remarkable block out of Riccardo Calafiori before hitting the post.
David Raya was then called into action early in the second half as his stretched leg managed to keep out Beto's shot after the Gunners failed to clear a corner.
At the other end, Eberechi Eze curled just wide of the post as Arsenal piled on the pressure, which eventually told in the dying minutes.
Pickford failed to punch a cross from Dowman, which Piero Hincapie deflected into the path of Gyokeres for a simple tap-in.
The Everton goalkeeper then went up for a corner in the hopes of scoring an equaliser, but Arsenal got out and Dowman skipped past two challenges before scoring into an empty net.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta labelled Dowman "not normal" after the game.
"I had a gut feeling that this was a moment for him," the Spaniard said.
"It was a great moment, especially with the way the goal built up. We had 10 or 15 seconds to really enjoy what was about to happen.
"It was magical, all the bench and players together jumping up with the crowd, it was a beautiful day.
"He changed the game every time he got the ball. He made things happen and we looked like more of a threat.
"To do it at that age, in this context, with the pressure and expectations to win the game, it's just not normal.
"It's natural for him. He doesn't feel the pressure – that's the best thing. He does what he feels and when you have such a talent, I'm sure good things are going to happen."
Toffees manager David Moyes also took positives from the loss, with his team suffering a first defeat on the road since December.
"Totally gutted. We did such a good job for long period of the game," the Scot said.
"No disappointment in terms of our performance, the players gave everything, we just lost out in the final moments of the game.
"The block from Dwight McNeil from Calafiori is unbelievable. At the end of the game, they had more saves than Jordan Pickford. Moments like that didn't quite go our way."
