Arsenal: Declan Rice’s reaction to Max Dowman’s record-breaking goal revealed by MOTD pundits

Max Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest ever goalscorer as he netted the second for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Viktor Gyokeres broke a stubborn visiting defence by netting the opener in the 89th minute, before Dowman broke away to score into a vacant goal deep into stoppage time.

The 16-year-old has become a regular feature in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad this term, and he finally got his big moment to put the Gunners nine points clear at the top of the table.

Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek, and they have put themselves in a commanding position in their domestic campaign ahead of that tie.

Declan Rice reaction leaves MOTD gushing

Dowman was introduced by Arteta in the 74th minute, with Arsenal desperately trying to find a goal to help avoid a frustrating setback on home turf.

It was a tense affair throughout the evening at the Emirates Stadium, but the boss saw his faith in the youngster rewarded as he broke away to seal the three points in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Dowman carried the ball almost the full length of the pitch after Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had headed up for a corner, and he calmly rolled the ball into the unguarded net after a lung-busting run.

It was a moment that had the Match of the Day team gushing with praise for the starlet, but Declan Rice’s reaction to his goal also got a mention.

The England international was seen in the back of the shot as Dowman ran away to celebrate, and it was clear that he was beaming with pride for his teammate.

“You can see the moment when he (Dowman) is realising, ‘oh my gosh I’m going to score my first goal,” Ashley Williams said during his analysis.

“You see what it means, he wheels off, and look at Rice’s face, I love that, the subs bench were all the way down as well. It’s a brilliant moment.”

Joe Hart then agreed with his fellow pundit, as he added: “Dowman’s not surprised at what he’s done, it’s only when he sees the reaction of the stadium and his teammates that he realises what a big moment that is.”

Martin Odegaard to be scared by Max Dowman growth

Football Insider revealed back in November that Arsenal wouldn’t push Martin Odegaard out the door in this summer’s window, despite transfer interest from Barcelona.

However, the Norwegian may now be fearing for his spot in the team a little due to the way that Dowman has continued to develop in the second half of the season.

The academy graduate is already being given an increased role by Arteta, and if he continues to impress, then it won’t be long before he is a shoo-in to make the starting XI each week.

That is sure to have some of the squad’s more established members glancing nervously over their shoulders somewhat, and with Odegaard only under contract until 2028, Dowman’s development could yet spark a change of stance.

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