Arsenal Prodigy Max Dowman Writes Premier League History at 16

Arsenal winger Max Dowman made history on Saturday after becoming the youngest goalscorer in the Premier League, helping the Gunners secure a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

The 16-year-old winger came off the bench in the 74th minute and had to wait until stoppage time to etch his name into the history books.

Dowman first played a key role in the opening goal with 90 seconds remaining, whipping a cross into the Everton box that allowed Viktor Gyökeres to break the deadlock.

Minutes later, during added time, Dowman became the tip of the spear in an Arsenal counterattack that began from an Everton corner.

The teenager sprinted down the length of the field and slotted the ball into an empty net while Jordan Pickford was still retreating from Arsenal's half.

At 16 years and 73 days old, Dowman surpassed the long standing record previously held by former Everton striker James Vaughan, who scored in the Premier League at 16 years and 270 days old.

Vaughan had set the mark during his Everton debut against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park in April 2005.

According to ESPN, he turned home Kevin Kilbane's cross within 13 minutes of his arrival in a 4-0 victory.

Dowman's goal also established a new club record for Arsenal as he became the youngest scorer in the club's history.

The previous record belonged to club legend Cesc Fàbregas, who was 16 years, six months and 28 days old when he opened his account for the Gunners in a 5-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers during the 2002/03 season.

The teenager has been breaking records ever since he first pulled on an Arsenal shirt.

This season he became the youngest player ever to play in the UEFA Champions League, the youngest player to start a match for Arsenal and the youngest player to feature for the Gunners in the FA Cup.

Dowman is also the second youngest player to represent Arsenal and the second youngest to appear in the Premier League for the club, just behind fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri.

Why has Max Dowman drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi?

For those who have followed Dowman's short but exciting career, the milestones and goalscoring heroics have come as little surprise.

The winger has been training with the Arsenal first team since he was 14 and has drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi from his manager Mikel Arteta.

Dowman was also one of two 15-year-olds included in Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia and emerged as one of the club's most dangerous players.

During the tour he won penalties against Newcastle United and Villarreal CF.

The winger carried that threat into his top flight debut when he won a penalty against Leeds United in Arsenal's first home league game of the season.

What has Mikel Arteta said about Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman’s talent?

Arteta has repeatedly spoken highly of the youngster's talent and has previously said he would have been "blind" not to notice it.

Despite the excitement surrounding Dowman, both the manager and the club have been cautious about managing the teenage winger.

In January it was announced that Dowman had committed his future to Arsenal by signing a pre-contract agreement that will allow the England youth international to sign professional terms when he turns 17 on December 31.

Dowman’s standout performance comes at a crucial moment for Arsenal, who sit atop the Premier League table with seven games remaining.

With 21 wins from 31 matches, Arsenal have looked rock solid throughout the campaign. The Gunners appear firmly in control of the title race, especially with Manchester City having drawn their last two games.

The question now is whether Arsenal can finally end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title or once again fall short and finish in second place, a position that has become all too familiar for them over the past three seasons.

(With inputs from ANI)