Emirates Stadium exploded every time the ball rolled at Max Dowman's feet. As in the pre-season friendlies, Arsenal's teammates always tried to find ways to give the ball to this young talent. That is completely understandable, because Dowman is showing himself to be a rare talent.
In the match against Leeds, Dowman made history as the second youngest player to ever play in the Premier League - an incredible milestone. But what impressed the audience the most was not only his age, but the fact that Dowman had truly become Arsenal's most dangerous spearhead on the pitch.
Leeds were completely helpless in stopping Dowman. It was the Englishman's decisive dribble that brought Arsenal a late penalty, ending his impressive debut.
In a day filled with special moments - from the debut, injury to the first goal - Dowman, who is only 16 years old in 4 months, took the spotlight at the Emirates Stadium.
"This is something we see every day in training. But to do that on stage is a completely different story. He has an extraordinary confidence that he can play at 15 and play like this. This is something I have never seen in my coaching career" - coach Mikel Arteta said after the match.
Dowman could be the best product Arsenal have ever produced. At the age of 15, this talent is ready for a new step forward - something rare even in the most outstanding students. However, the midfielder born in 2009 is just the latest face in the talent chain that Hale End has continuously provided to the Arsenal first team in recent years.
The clearest evidence came in the final minutes of the match against Leeds, when Dowman stood side by side with Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have both affirmed their position at the highest level, and now they welcome another teenage talent to the big stage.
Bukayo Saka - the biggest inspiration for both Dowman, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly - continues to show his importance. The star who grew up from Hale End is not only a mainstay of Arsenal but also the pride of the entire youth training system.
The England international scored the second goal for the Gunners against Leeds before being forced off injured. Saka still knows how to leave his mark on a day witnessed by the rise of the next generation.
In the stands, Eberechi Eze - another "Hale Ender" was also present to watch, as a reminder that the heritage of this training center is still being written.
Eze is different. He left Arsenal at the age of 13 to seek professional competition opportunities. However, it was that short time together that made the "Gunners" fans even more passionate. When he returned to the Emirates, Eze was warmly welcomed not only as a Premier League star, but also as a boy who grew up with the dream of Arsenal.
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke has stressed the importance of keeping Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri in long-term contracts. "They understand the meaning of being a part of Arsenal," Kroenke affirmed.
For Eze, that is also true. Although his career took him in a different direction, Arsenal still flowed in the blood - the special DNA of Hale End.
"It brought joy, it brought emotions," Arteta said after the win over Leeds. Although he wanted to mention Dowman's inspiring appearance, this saying accurately reflects the value that any product from Arsenal's training center brings. It is pride, inspiration and a connection that transcends time.
The natural connection between them and the club and the fans is just part of the value. Saka, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly and now Dowman all grew up from Hale End, adding significant strength to the Arsenal squad without a single transfer fee. That is the "treasure" that every big team is eager for.
Dowman, just 15, is not even qualified to be valued in the transfer market. According to regulations, he can only sign a professional contract after his 16th birthday. But at the Emirates, no one is too concerned about this.
Because what overwhelms people is the prospect ahead. The heights that the 2009-born player can reach, and what Dowman can contribute to a squad that has been rated second highest in the world, behind only Real Madrid.
Arsenal currently own a squad worth £1.14 billion, but the total transfer fee is only £826 million. No Premier League club can create such an impressive cost difference in value.
Behind that success are the gems from Hale End.
Saka is currently valued at £129.3 million by Transfermarkt - a figure that affirms his position in the group of top players in the world. At the age of 23, Saka is not only the precious gem of Arsenal's academy, but also a football asset that can continue to benefit for many years to come.
Compared to Saka, the journey of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly is still very long. But at 18, their development trajectory is not inferior. According to Transfermarkt, the Nwaneri is currently valued at £48 million, while the Lewis-Skelly is at £39 million.
Arsenal expect both to continue their promotion, extending the tradition of Hale End. And Dowman - the talent who just came to light - will be the next in this line.
