Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest scorer in Premier League history as his late goal helped Arsenal defeat Everton on Saturday.
Before Arsenal substitute Viktor Gyokeres tapped home in the 89th minute after Jordan Pickford misjudged Dowman’s cross, it appeared as though Everton would thwart the Gunners and fight to a well-earned draw.
Then, in an attempt to equalize with a stoppage-time corner, the visitors poured everyone forward.
Pickford was stuck upfield, though, and Dowman outran two defenders before sprinting off to throw the ball into the empty net and cause chaos inside Emirates Stadium.
With his goal, Dowman (16 years and 73 days) surpassed James Vaughan (16 years and 270 days) of Everton, who held the record for the youngest scorer in the Premier League in 2005.
The Toffees played well and came dangerously close to scoring twice in the first half. Riccardo Calafiori’s acrobatic block stopped Dwight McNeil, and the winger’s curling shot from the edge of the area struck the post.
When Michael Keane and Kai Havertz tangled in the first half, the Gunners believed they should have been given a penalty, but it didn’t matter because Arsenal won late.
After two more games, Arsenal leads second-place Manchester City by ten points. Later, Pep Guardiola’s team will play West Ham at London Stadium (kickoff at 20:00 GMT).
