Premier League 2025-26: Dowman makes history as Arsenal edges closer to title with win over Everton

Joyous ‌Arsenal fans found 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 had come off the bench along with Viktor ⁠Gyokeres on the hour, with Arsenal running out of ideas and in danger of surrendering control of its destiny as it inches 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 allowed Gyokeres the simplest of tap-ins to 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, six months and 28 days when he opened his account for the club.

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

“It was a great moment, especially the way the goal ​built up, we had like 10, 15 seconds to really enjoy actually what was about to happen,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ⁠said.

“And it was magical, all the fans and all the players together jumping ⁠off the crowd. It was a beautiful day,” he added.

Victory had looked unlikely for Arsenal as it rode its luck in the first ‌half when Dwight McNeil was denied by the woodwork for the visitor, which made the better chances.

But it dug deep to secure ​another three points in its bid for a first title since 2004.

Published on Mar 15, 2026