Freddie Ljungberg makes huge Max Dowman claim after Arsenal beat Everton

Freddie Ljungberg says Max Dowman very likely wrapped up the Premier League title for Arsenal with his scintillating cameo performance in the club’s 2-0 victory over Everton.

The runaway Premier League leaders had appeared on course to drop points as David Moyes’ obstinate Everton side stood strong with the final whistle in sight at the Emirates.

But 16-year-old Dowman had other ideas, providing the dangerous cross that led to Viktor Gyokeres’ 89th-minute breakthrough after replacing Martin Zubimendi.

It was Dowman’s second meaningful contribution in the match, though, that will be replayed over and over again should Arsenal go on and end their long wait for the trophy this term.

After picking up possession deep inside Arsenal’s half from an Everton corner, Dowman effortlessly skipped past two Toffees defenders before passing into an empty net to put the game to bed – with Jordan Pickford stranded upfield.

The 97th-minute strike saw Dowman become the youngest scorer in Premier League history, with the Hale End academy product breaking the previous record set by James Vaughan way back in 2006.

There were wild celebrations as Dowman was mobbed by his Arsenal team-mates in the corner in what felt like a hammer blow to Manchester City’s dwindling title hopes.

A bitterly disappointing 1-1 draw away to West Ham meant City finished the day nine points adrift of Arsenal, who have a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men.

‘I think that’s when they won the Premier League,’ Ljungberg said on Viaplay a day on from Arsenal’s memorable win in north London.

‘You’re that young and you dare to go for that cross… a lot of young players, they would just pass that square and let someone else do that pass.’

Ljungberg believes City would likely have defeated West Ham had they been boosted by Arsenal dropping points.

‘It’s so special,’ the ex-Arsenal and Sweden winger added.

‘He’s such a young guy and I think that’s when they won the Premier League, with that cross.

‘If they would have maybe drawn that game, I think Manchester City probably would have beaten West Ham.’

Arsenal remain in the hunt for a historic quadruple this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side fighting for silverware on all four fronts in the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

‘Job done from our side,’ Arteta told reporters shortly after the final whistle.

‘The performance in many situations was very, very good. What we are doing every three days, the players deserve a lot of credit.

‘What we do is create memories and create moments.

‘For many years, I think people who were in the stadium today will say that they were there at the Emirates that day when that kid at 16 scored a goal at such an important stage of the season.’

Arteta waxed lyrical about Dowman’s unforgettable display suggested the record-breaking youngster’s ability to perform in such high-pressure moments was ‘not normal’.

‘It was a great moment. Especially the way the goal built up and we had 10-15 seconds to really enjoy what was about to happen!’ the Spaniard added.

‘It was magical. On the bench and all the players together, jumping with the crowd. It was a beautiful day.

‘It is not only the goal that he scored, he changed the game. Every time he got the ball, he makes things happen and we are more of a threat. To do that at that age, in this context with the pressure, the expectations to win the game, it’s just not normal.

‘It’s so organic for him, he doesn’t feel the pressure. He goes, gets the ball, stops on the ball. It’s natural for him, that’s the best thing, so just make sure he does what he feels.

‘When you have such a talent then I’m sure good things are going to happen.’

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