Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Max Dowman after the 16-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Dowman, introduced with 15 minutes remaining, first whipped in the cross that led to Viktor Gyokeres opening the scoring in the 89th minute before seizing on a clearance deep in stoppage time, racing 75 yards past two challenges and slotting into an empty net.
At 16 years and 73 days old, he shattered a record that had stood for over 20 years – previously held by James Vaughan, who had scored for Everton under David Moyes in 2005.
“That’s what I see every day, a player that is not phased by the occasion, the opponent, or the game,” Arteta said after the game.
“He’s 16. He was incredible for the team, for his teammates, for his family, for all of us related to football. I had a gut feeling the way he was training the last few days. It was a moment for him.”
The Arsenal manager revealed the instruction to Dowman was simple. “Go and do your thing and win us the game.”
Arteta also addressed how rare a talent Dowman’s mentality is at such a young age. “I think his character, his personality and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the pressure or his team-mates or the opponent. I’ve seen a lot of players with talent but at 16, very few that can cope with that level of demand.”
Gyokeres, whose tap-in proved the decisive goal, was equally effusive. “You can see how he plays. He stays so calm and without fear every time he gets the ball. He’s an amazing player and I’m so happy for him.”
