Teenage sensation Max Dowman stole the spotlight after scoring a dramatic late goal as Arsenal F.C. defeated Everton F.C. 2–0 to move closer to their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled for much of the game to break down a resilient Everton defence at Emirates Stadium.
The breakthrough finally came in the 89th minute when Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres found the back of the net, aided by a costly mistake from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Pickford completely missed Dowman’s cross into the box, allowing Piero Hincapie to return the ball into the six-yard area, where Gyokeres tapped it into an empty net.
The late goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Arsenal players and supporters, marking the club’s fourth straight league victory.
The excitement continued deep into stoppage time when Dowman sprinted the length of the pitch to score in the 97th minute after Pickford had moved forward for an Everton corner. The goalkeeper was caught out of position as Arsenal launched a swift counter-attack.
At just 16 years old, Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League and also the youngest player to score for Arsenal F.C..
The Gunners now sit 10 points clear of second-placed Manchester City F.C., who are scheduled to face West Ham United F.C. at London Stadium later in the day.
Arsenal, who have not lifted the English league title since 2004, are chasing their first championship in over two decades.
Despite an uneven performance against Everton, Arteta’s team managed to secure the win and maintain momentum heading into a crucial week.
The North London club will next play Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie, currently level at 1–1, before travelling to Wembley Stadium to face Manchester City F.C. in the League Cup final.
Elsewhere, fifth-placed Chelsea F.C. suffered a 1–0 defeat at home after a goal from Anthony Gordon.
Chelsea’s difficult week continued following their 5–2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Gordon’s strike came in the 18th minute after Tino Livramento set up Joe Willock, who then assisted the goal.
Chelsea now trail Aston Villa F.C. and Manchester United F.C. by three points in the race for Champions League qualification, having played one game more than their rivals.
In other matches, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. defeated Sunderland A.F.C. 1–0 to move into the top half of the table.
Sunderland had gone unbeaten in their first 11 home games since returning to the top flight but have now lost their last three at Stadium of Light, dropping to 12th place.
The decisive goal came from Yankuba Minteh, whose shot slipped past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post.
Meanwhile, Burnley F.C. played out a goalless draw against AFC Bournemouth at Turf Moor.
The result leaves Burnley eight points away from safety with eight matches remaining, while Bournemouth remain ninth in the standings, three points behind Brentford F.C., who currently occupy what could be the final European qualification spot in seventh place.
What you should know
Max Dowman’s late goal not only secured a vital win for Arsenal but also made him the youngest scorer in Premier League history at just 16 years old.
Arsenal are now strong favourites to win the league for the first time since their famous “Invincibles” season in 2003–04.
With a 10-point lead and only a handful of games remaining, Mikel Arteta’s side are closing in on a historic title while still competing in the Champions League and the League Cup.
