Arteta backs Max Dowman after historic Premier League goal

Mikel Arteta praised 16-year-old Max Dowman after the teenager became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in a 2-0 win over Everton, a result that moves the Gunners 10 points clear at the top of the table. Arteta said he had a "gut feeling" to play Dowman because the youngster proves he can do it against 'the best in the world' every day in training, calling the afternoon "sensational" and "one of the best moments" he has experienced in the dugout.

Arsenal had 13 first-half shots and Arteta remained confident a breakthrough would come. It arrived in the 89th minute when Dowman’s cross forced a Jordan Pickford error for Viktor Gyokeres to tap into an empty net, and moments later Dowman cleared a corner and completed a stunning 75-yard solo run to slot the ball into a vacant goal.

The turning point was Dowman’s introduction with 15 minutes remaining. Arteta explained the decision was based on the youngster’s composure and form in training: "I think the decision that you make has to be delivered.

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