Saturday’s match between Arsenal and Everton looked like it was going to be a frustrating day at the office for the Gunners, who appeared to be set to miss their chance to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the league.
Their attack was not quite clicking and in the first half Arsenal were denied a penalty when Kai Havertz tangled with Michael Keane in the penalty area.
But with the scores level, Arteta turned to 16-year-old Dowman, alongside £64m summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, and the youngster turned the game in his side’s favour.
Dowman took the ball in dangerous areas and did not look fazed with the situation of the game as he tried to take on defenders at will.
He played a huge part in the opening goal as it was his cross that Jordan Pickford misjudged before Gyokeres tapped the ball in.
Then Dowman himself stole the show when he beat two defenders while Pickford was up for an Everton corner as they chased an equaliser – and the teenager rolled the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations.
“It was a great moment,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Especially the way the goal built up and we had 10-15 seconds to really enjoy what was about to happen.
“It was magical. On the bench and all the players together, jumping with the crowd. It was a beautiful day.
“It is not only the goal that he scored, [Dowman] changed the game. Every time he got the ball, he makes things happen and we are more of a threat.
“To do that at that age, in this context, with the pressure, the expectations to win the game – it’s just not normal.”
Arteta – who has spoken of Dowman’s talents all season – was not surprised about the youngster’s showing during the vital win in the title race and said the way the 16-year-old had trained this week gave him a “gut feeling”.
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“It’s so organic for him, he doesn’t feel the pressure. He goes, gets the ball, stops on the ball,” Arteta said.
“It’s natural for him, that’s the best thing, so just make sure he does what he feels.
“When you have such a talent then I’m sure good things are going to happen. What we do is to create memories and create moments.
“For many years, I think people who were in the stadium today will say ‘I was in the Emirates that day when that kid at 16 scored a goal at such an important stage of the season’.”
Arteta’s substitutes come up trumps
This was not the first time this season Arteta had used his bench to change a game in his side’s favour.
The Gunners spent about £250m in the summer as they looked to increase the quality and depth within their squad – and that investment is paying off.
Both of their goals against Everton were scored and assisted by players who came off the bench, meaning the Gunners have 11 goals and 10 assists from substitutes this season – seven more than than other top-flight team.
Arteta said he had told his substitutes to “go and do your thing and win us the game”.
“I said ‘these are the moments in the season when something special has to happen’, and he knows he has the ability, which I have to give him the opportunity, and he will deliver,” Arteta said of his words to Dowman before he came on.
With seven league games left, Arsenal are in the driving seat as they attempt to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
After second-placed Manchester City drew with West Ham later on Saturday, the Gunners are nine points clear having played one game more.
“I think it’s been incredible the last couple months. It’s been sensational,” Arteta said.
“We are in every competition and we are competing in every single game like it’s the last one and some days we’ll be better, some other times exceptional, some other times not that good.
“But that relentless desire to win I feel in the team is just one of the best things that, in my opinion, this team has.”
With the Carabao Cup final next week against title rivals City, the good feeling around Arsenal may help them to lift a first major trophy since 2020.
BBC
