EPL: Arsenal open 10-point lead as teen Dowman makes history
Arsenal moved 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a dramatic late victory over Everton F.C. at the Emirates Stadium. The match appeared destined to end
Arsenal moved 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a dramatic late victory over Everton F.C. at the Emirates Stadium.
The match appeared destined to end in a stalemate as Everton held firm for much of the contest. But Arsenal finally broke the resistance in the closing minutes when substitute Viktor Gyökeres capitalised on a costly mistake by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to score in the 89th minute.
Pickford misjudged a cross into the box, allowing Gyökeres to tap home and give the hosts the breakthrough they had been searching for.
Everton responded by pushing everyone forward in search of a late equaliser, with Pickford even joining the attack for a stoppage-time corner. However, the move backfired as Arsenal cleared their lines and quickly launched a counterattack.
Teenager Max Dowman then capped the victory in remarkable fashion, beating two defenders before calmly rolling the ball into an empty net.
The goal made history, with Dowman becoming the youngest scorer in Premier League history at just 16 years and 73 days, surpassing the previous record set by James Vaughan in 2005.
Despite the late drama, Everton had created some of the better chances earlier in the game. Dwight McNeil twice came close to opening the scoring, first seeing his shot brilliantly blocked by Riccardo Calafiori before later striking the post with a curling effort from outside the area.
Arsenal also felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the first half after Kai Havertz went down following a challenge from Michael Keane inside the box, but the referee waved away their appeals.
The win strengthens Arsenal’s grip on the title race, moving them 10 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City F.C., although Pep Guardiola’s side still have two games in hand and face West Ham United F.C. later at the London Stadium. ⚽
