It was all heading one way for Arsenal. Lacking ideas, lacking intensity – and history was repeating itself.
Three years ago on this very day, Arsenal dropped points to a David Moyes team, that 2-2 draw at West Ham that proved crucial in the Premier League title race. Last season, they drew this fixture 0-0, and things were heading in that direction again.
But instead of history repeating itself, the history books were written. Enter Max Dowman, whose cameo as a 16-year-old won the game for Arsenal. You never know, it may just win Arsenal the title.
Dowman will steal the headlines, the video clicks, the social media furore with his silky second that sent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall flying and Everton players scrambling before tapping into an empty net.
But his deep cross forced the chaos – and the goal – that broke open that game late on, scored by Viktor Gyokeres. It was audacious for someone of his age. “It’s not only the goal that he scored. I think he changed the game,” said Mikel Arteta to Sky Sports.
“Every time he got the ball, he made things happen. It looked like we were more of a threat. To do that at that age, in this context, with this pressure, it is just not normal.”
Arsenal were, once again, facing an Emirates Stadium crowd filled with anxiety and impatience. Fans were pleading for the ball to go forward. So Arteta acted, he brought on his wildcard – knowing that he had that power to carry the ball towards the Everton goal.
“I had a gut feeling that it was a moment for him,” said Arteta. “Probably because he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent.
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s match against Everton in the Premier League.
“He just plays so naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen, and what he delivered was incredible.
“Every time he got involved in the action, the speed of the game was different that’s for sure. I think he created a different energy in the stadium.”
And so he did. No Arsenal player managed more dribbles than the 16-year-old, all of them forward. Only Declan Rice created more chances than Dowman. Only Gabriel won more fouls.
Max Dowman’s stats vs Everton
All that chaos – and he only entered the pitch on 74 minutes. “Max Dowman did more in those 16 minutes plus added time than Bukayo Saka did on the right,” added Redknapp.
What is staggering is not just how he was able to manipulate the game, but how clearly his team-mates trust a player so young. He had 28 touches of the ball, two more than Kai Havertz managed in an hour.
“He takes the right decisions most of the time as well,” Gyokeres told Sky Sports. “You can see with the goal, he definitely took the right one. An amazing player and a great goal for him.”
Max Dowman scored the second for Arsenal to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer in their Premier League clash with Everton.
Those who have followed Dowman’s career, albeit one in its infancy, are not surprised by. His coaches at youth level say dribbling is his “superpower”, Redknapp admitted he noticed the teenager’s talents from the age of 7 – while it’s worth remembering this is not the first standout Dowman display of the season.
He had a brilliant cameo against Leeds on his Premier League debut back in August, became the youngest-ever Champions League player in November and was Arsenal’s best player in their FA Cup win at Mansfield.
But every teenage sensation has had their ‘Star is Born’ moment: a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney curled home that superb long-range goal for Moyes’ Everton against Arsenal, of all teams; Marcus Rashford had his doubles against FC Midtjylland and Arsenal. Theo Walcott had that long-range run and assist at Anfield in the Champions League.
Dowman’s moment – which now has the whole country watching – has come younger than any of those players. But the question on everyone’s lips is: what’s next?
Max Dowman celebrates with fans after Arsenal’s win over Everton
The Arsenal attacker has shown he can deal with the high-level pressure of a Premier League fixture, he’s already generated one of the moments of the season. Will that extend to a start soon?
“Calm!” said Arteta. “Let’s come down to earth today and enjoy the moment because it was intense and it was worth it. And we’ll see tomorrow.”
It is pretty clear that Dowman is one of the stars of tomorrow, making an impact today.
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