Southampton came from behind to draw at Amex Stadium on Friday night thanks to Downes' second-half strike.
Cameron Archer thought he had given Saints the lead seven minutes later when he scored a would-be winner, but his effort was ruled out by VAR.
Downes admitted it was an important point and was overjoyed to score his first Premier League goal in front of the Saints faithful.
He said: "It's a massive point. If you look at the table, they are a good, good team. We knew it would be tough but we will take the point.
Flynn Downes puts away the equalizer for Southampton. 💪
📺 Peacock pic.twitter.com/i8bN3yrDQQ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 29, 2024
"It was unreal (to score the equaliser). What a feeling to do it in front of the fans, who have been so good this year. We know our form hasn't been great. Hopefully, this is a turning point in our season."
Dibling delivered another mature, dominating Premier League performance despite still being 18 and in his first senior season.
He was named man of the match by virtue of having the most dribbles, winning the most fouls and making the most passes into the final third.
Tyler Dibling is a special player who seems to be getting better each week. Dominating Premier League matches aged 18. ✨ #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/bdHLVCH292
— Just Saints (@JustSaints_) November 30, 2024
Asked if the point feels like a win, Dibling responded: "Not really. We get another goal disallowed by VAR, I think we've been unlucky this season.
"It's a good point on the table and we need to step it up from here. Russell trusts that he can play me. I didn't play a lot last season, it's nice to get a run of games to show what I can do."
Downes added: "It's crazy (how much maturity he is showing). He's getting better and better every week. I don't know how he's doing it. Hopefully, he carries on. He will have some career."