New Headline: Arsenal’s Arteta Spurs Dowman to Thriving Future as Expectations Rise
Saturday's match with Everton looked like it was going to be a frustrating day at the office for the Gunners, who appeared to be set to miss their chance to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the league. Their attack was not quite clicking and in the first half Arsenal were denied a penalty when Kai Havertz tangled with Michael Keane in the penalty area. But with the scores level, Mikel Arteta turned to 16-year-old Max Dowman, alongside £64m summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, and the youngster turned the game in his side's favour.
Dowman took the ball in dangerous areas and did not look fazed with the situation of the game as he tried to take on defenders at will. He played a huge part in the opening goal as it was his cross that Jordan Pickford misjudged before Gyokeres tapped the ball in. Then Dowman himself stole the show when he beat two defenders while Pickford was up for an Everton corner as they chased an equaliser - and the teenager rolled the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations.
"It was a great moment," Arteta told Sky Sports. "Especially the way the goal built up and we had 10-15 seconds to really enjoy what was about to happen. "It was magical.
On the bench and all the players together, jumping with the crowd. It was a beautiful day. "It is not only the goal that he scored, [Dowman] changed the game.
Every time he got the ball, he makes things happen and we are more of a threat. "To do that at that age, in this context, with the pressure, the expectations to win the game - it's just not normal. " Arteta - who has spoken of Dowman's talents all season - was not surprised about the youngster's showing during the vital win in the title race and said the way the 16-year-old had trained this week gave him a "gut feeling".