Let’s be honest. Most 16-year-olds are stressing over exams or arguing with their parents about screen time. Max Dowman? He just ran from his own half and scored in Premier League stoppage time to become the youngest goalscorer in the competition’s entire history. At 16.

Arsenal were grinding out a frustrating night at the Emirates. Everton parked the bus, Jordan Pickford was having one of those nights where everything he touched turned to saves, and the crowd was getting twitchy. Classic Arsenal anxiety set in.

Then in the 89th minute, a sharp attacking move from the 16-year-old ended with Victor Gyökeres finally breaking the deadlock.

But Dowman wasn’t done. Deep into stoppage time, he picks up the ball in his own half, looks up, and just… goes. A driving run that had the whole stadium on its feet, finished with a composure that most senior pros would be proud of. Goal. 2–0. Record broken.

A record that had stood for over two decades is gone courtesy of a teenager who probably shouldn’t even be starting.

Now here’s where it gets even better for the red side of North London. While Dowman was writing himself into history, Manchester City were dropping points at home to West Ham. A 1–1 draw saw them slip up yet again in the title race.

Arsenal are now nine points clear at the top. Nine points. If you’re a Gooner reading this, it’s okay to feel it; just don’t jinx it.

Elsewhere around the grounds: Newcastle nicked a 1–0 win at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea fans, how’s that rebuild going?); Brighton beat Sunderland 1–0 on the road, and Burnley vs Bournemouth produced the kind of goalless draw that makes you question your Saturday afternoon choices.

Sunday brings another full slate: United host Villa, Spurs travel to Anfield, and Forest take on Fulham. The pressure only builds from here for clubs fighting for Europe and for survival.