Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman created history after scoring a stunning solo goal for the Gunners youth side in their 3-2 win over Wolves in Premier League 2 on Saturday. The English teenager, widely regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football, made his senior professional debut for Mikel Arteta's side during a Premier League clash against Leeds last month.
Dowman creates history
At the age of 15 years and 263 days, Dowman became the youngest player to score a goal in Premier League 2, a record which was previously held by Reiss Nelson, who set the mark back in 2016 at 16 years, 57 days. The Gunners wonderkid started for the U21 side for the first time and scored the equaliser in the 65th minute after Wolves took a two-goal lead. The teenager cut onto his right foot from the right side of the box before chopping back onto his left and slotted the ball home with a composed finish. Andre Harriman-Annous scored the other two goals to secure a win for the English giants.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDowman made his senior debut in August
After impressing Arteta during pre-season, Dowman made his senior debut for the club during a Premier League clash against Leeds United last month. In the process, he became the second-youngest player to represent the Gunners in the Premier League after Ethan Nwaneri. The 15-year-old then came off the bench in Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Liverpool.
Max Porter hails Arsenal U21 team's efforts
Dowman and his team-mates garnered praise from Arsenal U-21 head coach Max Poerter, who told the club's official website: "I think it was a bit of a roller coaster. We were 2-0 down and had given away two poor goals from our standards, which was obviously disappointing, but I've got to praise the group, really. The reason I say the group is because it wasn't just the ones on the pitch, it was the players that came on. Our first-team manager, Mikel, mentioned the other week about the importance of finishers.
"All around, from the players on the pitch and the ones that came on to finish the game, they showed huge courage, they pushed themselves physically, and in the end, we got what we deserved from the game. Even in the first half, even though we weren't as good as the second, I think there were still moments we could have scored. So, we're really delighted because I think the group, particularly the ones that played midweek, showed a huge response, which we want to keep going."
He added: "I think this group of players are so honest, every day. They give everything, they push themselves. I think at times, we want to help them with the things needed to have careers in the game, but I can't fault them for their attitude and application. We've just got to make sure that we're consistent with that daily, because that's how you'll get performances like that, where you can go to the death and hopefully get results."
Getty Images SportWhen are Arsenal playing next?
A day after the youth team's triumph, Arteta's senior boys will be back in action in the Premier League as they host Manchester City in a blockbuster clash.