Dowman’s heroics ignite Arsenal in dramatic late Everton win

At 0-0 with 15 minutes to go, Mikel Arteta looked to his bench to change the game and landed on Dowman, swapping out Martin Zubimendi from the base of the midfield to bring the 16-year-old and propel Arsenal to the win. And he did in dramatic fashion.

 The youngster set up Arsenal’s first, whipping in a teasing cross from the right wing, Bukayo Saka-esque, which caught Jordan Pickford out and eventually landed at the feet of Viktor Gyökeres for a tap-in.

Dowman’s second pivotal moment was even better, catching Everton up the pitch from a late corner, heading the ball past one defender, showing quick feet to put the other defender on the floor and then running the length of the pitch and putting the ball in the empty net.

The close control and dribbling on the play were superb, showing off his special talent. A talent which may prove decisive in the title race.

 Even if that’s the last we see of Dowman this season, his name, that moment will be remembered for years to come. And it felt significant, especially with Manchester City dropping points in 1-1 draw against West Ham later that day.

For Arteta, it was one of the bravest decisions of his managerial career, trusting a 16-year-old under that pressure to change the tide.

It was also an impressive game for Eberechi Eze in midfield, seeing far more of the ball than recent weeks, pulling the strings and getting off a number of shots from outside the box.

It was as much Arteta’s tactical tweaks as Eze grabbing a hold of the game but if he can play at that level then Arsenal have a real weapon for the run-in.

 The Gunners have a chance to secure their first trophy of the season on Sunday afternoon, taking on Manchester City in the EFL Cup final at 4.30pm.

It’s been an excellent campaign so far and grabbing a trophy here could be the perfect catalyst for more.