Coach Mikel Arteta created a major turning point when he brought Max Dowman on at a time when Arsenal was deadlocked against Everton. The 16-year-old young star immediately changed the match, leaving a strong mark in the victory that could be fundamental to the season.
That is a risky decision that could bring home the championship. And it is also a decision that many people once thought Arteta was not bold enough to make.
However, in the 72nd minute, in the context of Arsenal playing deadlockedly, the score was still 0-0 and the atmosphere at the Emirates gradually became heavy, Arteta placed his trust in Dowman.
Perhaps in my heart I had a premonition. He has been training with us for the past few days and I feel this is the right time.
Perhaps because he did not show any hesitation in the face of circumstances, timing, context or opponents. He played very naturally, made decisions to create opportunities, and what he did was amazing" - Arteta shared.
Indeed, that was an unbelievable appearance. In his seventh appearance for the first team and only his third match in the Premier League, Dowman changed the situation to win 2-0 against Everton. Even, this young star may have changed the direction of the season.
In the 89th minute, when Everton retreated deeply to defend, Dowman launched a touchy pass into the far post area. Jordan Pickford had played solidly throughout the match, but this time could not intervene. The ball bounced out right at the level for Viktor Gyokeres to easily finish and open the score.
The tension in the stands was immediately relieved, before exploding into complete joy just a few minutes later. From a situation where Arsenal successfully cleared the ball after Everton's corner kick, Dowman accelerated past Vitaliy Mykolenko and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, then calmly put the ball into the empty net when Pickford had not yet returned.
That goal helped Dowman become the youngest player to score in Premier League history, at the age of 16 years and 73 days. After being the youngest player to play in the Champions League, he has now also become the youngest player to score for Arsenal.
There are historical moments that are only recognized when looking back. But this is a symbolic moment immediately. Arteta celebrated emotionally after the match, before giving special praise to his young student.
I think he created a completely different source of energy for the stadium. Not just goals. I think he changed the game.
Every time he touches the ball, he creates a threat. We look much more dangerous. Doing that at this age, in this situation, with such pressure, is not normal" - the Arsenal captain said.
Dowman's goal in injury time also made Arteta particularly touched: "For me, that moment seemed to last 45 seconds. You felt something was coming. There was no goalkeeper in goal, and you knew what was about to happen. The whole field seemed to explode together. It was a very special moment".
3 out of 5 Arsenal substitutes contributed to the opening goal, and Gyokeres finally scored against a team in the upper half of the table. But all eyes will definitely be on Dowman.
Arsenal is very cautious with this young star because he is still too young. Arteta's failure to use him much partly stems from the desire to protect a special talent, but also reflects his coaching style that leans towards stability, control and stereotypes.
For most of the match, Everton defended confidently and could even have taken the lead. Dwight McNeil shot into the post, and another shot from him was blocked by Riccardo Calafiori right on the goal line. Dewsbury-Hall also had a clear chance, and in the second half, Beto forced David Raya to make an excellent save before Thierno Barry headed wide of the post by a hair's breadth.
Arteta also wants to extend the praise beyond Dowman, when emphasizing the role of players coming on from the bench throughout the season.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera came on when Jurrien Timber was injured in the first half, and that is the story throughout this season. The impact that reserve players create is an important reason for us to be in the current position" - he added.
However, doubts about Arteta's ability to rotate the squad have not completely disappeared, especially when Arsenal has had many matches without vitality like this performance for most of the time.
It can be said that some players are exhausted, while others do not have enough time to catch up. But despite those problems, Arsenal still has a chance in four arenas.
The day Dowman shined may be recalled as a major turning point of the season. Whether this moment can be compared to Federico Macheda's classic goal for Manchester United against Aston Villa in 2009, time will tell.
But one thing is clear. If Arteta continues to use Dowman more often, this will no longer be a gamble.
