Arteta tells Max Dowman to stay grounded after Everton landmark

Mikel Arteta has challenged teenage Max Dowman to stay grounded after his historic goal against Everton, saying past achievements quickly lose relevance as the club turns its focus to the Champions League. As the Gunners prepare to host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow in their Champions League last-16 second leg, following a 1-1 draw in Germany, the coach stressed the need to look ahead.

Arteta praised the teenager's role in the late opening goal and his solo run, but warned that one moment does not define a player. "To do what he did in such a moment, very rare to see or impossible almost," Arteta said. "He's done it and now it's football and what you've done a few days ago is not relevant anymore, it's about the next one." The manager said the club will protect Dowman through his support network, highlighting the leadership group and captain Martin Odegaard as "a really good example." He added: "The most important one is his family...

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