ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON: Teenager Max Dowman stole the show with a record-breaking goal, as the Gunners went 10 points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Max Dowman and Viktor Gyokeres were heroes from the bench(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Sixteen-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman and super sub Viktor Gyokeres scored late goals as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 to move 10 points clear of title rivals Manchester City. The Gunners struggled to break down Everton's injury-hit defence but finally found a way in the dying embers, bolstering their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Everton came closest in the first half, hitting the woodwork through Dwight McNeil, and David Moyes went into the break encouraged. Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, likely had some choice words for his players, as the hosts came out for the second period with much more intent - and their efforts eventually paid off.
The introduction of Dowman proved too much to handle for Everton, as it was his cross that caused chaos in the 89th minute, allowing Gyokeres to score a tap-in and lift the roof off. Dowman then announced himself as a star by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history with a breakaway goal in stoppage time.
Here are five talking points from the Emirates.
1. Everton's double blow
There was a collective groan in the away end when the team news dropped. Everton were missing both James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, who'd each played crucial roles in the Toffees' recent back-to-back wins.
Moyes didn't want to seem too dejected before kick-off, saying: "We're missing two centre-halves today but we've also got two who have done really well. It shouldn't make too much difference, hopefully."
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: David Moyes, head coach of Everton, takes notes prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
David Moyes was missing two key players(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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2. Arsenal fume at 'disgraceful' penalty decision
Given the nod over Gyokeres, Kai Havertz led the line for Arsenal. The German looked understandably rusty as he continued regain his match rhythm, but for a moment in the first half he thought that he'd outfoxed Michael Keane and won Arsenal a penalty.
But to the Gunners' bemusement, Andrew Madley waved away their appeals and VAR didn't intervene. At half-time, Jamie Redknapp labelled the decision an 'absolute disgrace'.
"We see VAR make decisions sometimes that everyone at home can see is not a penalty and it takes five minutes," Redknapp said on Sky Sports. "They've taken three seconds to say it's not a penalty. That is an absolute disgrace."
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Kai Havertz of Arsenal is challenged by Michael Keane of Everton during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Michael Keane got away with one(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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3. Timber hobbles off
The first half got even more frustrating for Arsenal when they suffered an injury blow of their own. Jurrien Timber had picked up a knock on his right leg while trying to stop one of Everton's many attacks and immediately required treatment, staying down while McNeil rattled the post.
The defender soldiered on for another 20 or so minutes but was ultimately forced to hobble off before half-time. Cristhian Mosquera was preferred to Ben White and replaced Timber at right-back, with the Netherlands international now a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Jurrien Timber of Arsenal is substituted due to a injury, as he is replaced by Cristhian Mosquera during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Jurrien Timber came off with an injury(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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4. Arteta still searching for striker answer
Although many would argue that Havertz was unfortunate not to win a penalty, no one can deny that failed take his chance when preferred to Gyokeres. The 26-year-old didn't take a single shot during his hour on the pitch before Gyokeres - the match-winner in the reverse fixture - was brought on to replace him, as Arteta rung in the changes.
Noni Madueke was also hauled off in replace of Gabriel Martinelli. It was another day when Arsenal's front line weren't at their fluid best.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gives instructions to this players prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta changed his striker after an hour(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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5. Gyokeres haunts Everton again as Dowman makes history
Just as he did in December, Gyokeres scored the decisive goal against Everton and effectively saved the day for Arsenal. Dowman's looping cross evaded Jordan Pickford and the ball fell kindly to Piero Hincapie, who nudged it to Gyokeres for the easiest finish of his Gunners career.
But the Swede wasn't the story by full-time. With Pickford up for a late corner, Arsenal won possession through Martinelli and Dowman burst away to make history with his first goal in the top flight. Arsenal can now watch City take on West Ham later on Saturday in peace.