Chelsea legend John Terry in contrast Arsenal’s Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after {the teenager} wrote his title into Premier League historical past with a surprising cameo in opposition to Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s facet secured an important 2-0 victory on the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, extending their lead on the prime of the desk to 10 factors – and it was 16-year-old Dowman who stole the present.
Dowman makes immediate affect off the bench
Launched with simply 16 minutes remaining, Dowman instantly energised Arsenal’s assault. His harmful cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres’ opening aim within the 89th minute earlier than the midfielder grew to become the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with an excellent solo strike in harm time.
{The teenager}’s second-half cameo left watching pundits speechless, with Terry significantly effusive in his reward after the ultimate whistle.
Terry: ‘I’ve solely seen Messi glide previous folks like that’
In a video posted to TikTok shortly after full-time, the previous England captain lavished reward on Dowman’s capacity, having beforehand watched him in motion in opposition to Chelsea’s academy facet final 12 months.
“Max Dowman, what a participant by the way in which, 16 years of age, completely unbelievable,” Terry stated.
“I watched him play in opposition to Chelsea a few 12 months in the past and I’ve not seen anybody glide previous folks like this man does, aside from Messi. That’s a giant, huge comparability however this man is a correct expertise and can play a giant half in Arsenal’s future and likewise England as properly.
“Tremendous, tremendous expertise. Massive, huge win for them [Arsenal] at the moment.”
Dowman’s marvel aim seals historic night time
Dowman’s aim – Arsenal’s second of the night – was a second of pure particular person brilliance. Countering from an Everton nook, the teenager nodded the ball previous Vitalii Mykolenko earlier than leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor sprawling on the turf with a devastating change of route.
The strike made Dowman, at 16 years and 72 days, the youngest participant ever to attain within the Premier League.
Arteta praises teenager’s fearless mentality
Talking after Arsenal’s essential win, Arteta revealed he had a “intestine feeling” about giving Dowman his alternative.
“Yesterday he was coaching and in the previous few days and I had a intestine feeling that it was a second for him. Most likely as a result of he doesn’t appear to be fazed by the event or the second or the context or the opponent. He simply performs so naturally. He makes choices to make issues occur and what he delivered was unbelievable,” the Arsenal boss stated.
“I believe his character, his character and the truth that he doesn’t appear to be fazed by the strain or his teammates or the opponent. I’ve seen numerous gamers with expertise however at 16, only a few that may address that degree of demand.”
