Mar 15, 2026
3 min read
Amy Lawrence reviews Arsenal's dramatic 2-0 victory over Everton at Emirates Stadium
Nothing about Arsenal's bid to win the Premier League title looks easy and it looks like there are two more important points for Everton on Saturday night.
That was until one Max Daumann helped create an 89th-minute winner as substitute Viktor Gjokeres, then added a second, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history in the process 16 years and 73 days ago.
The first phase was evaluated by two factors that did not occur.First, Dwight McNeil came close to scoring twice for Everton, an attempt stopped by a superb block from the outstretched Riccardo Calafiori, before McNeil fired a shot over the bar just a minute later.
Then, midway through the first half, Arsenal thought they should have been awarded a penalty after bringing down Kai Havertz.Replays showed that Michael Keane stepped on the German's heel, but there was no intervention from the VAR, who deemed the contact "minimal."
Arsenal were indebted to David Raya early in the second half, after a reflex save denied Beto from close range, and as the second half progressed the home team enjoyed much of the ball but struggled to break down Everton's well drilled defence.
Arteta switched to the bench, including giving Dowman his first Premier League minutes since August.In what appeared to be a particularly frustrating night for Arsenal, Dowman fired a cross towards the far post, which Jordan Pickford missed, only to see the ball roll from Piero Hincapie into the path of Gyokeres.The Swedish player passed the ball into the empty net.
Then, after Everton cleared a corner to equalise, sending Pickford through to score, Dowman picked up a loose ball and raced two-thirds of the way up the pitch to hit the back of the net.Lead the chaos everywhere in the Emirates.
Amy Lawrence breaks down key moments from the history-making game.
Max Dauman.it's great
"Let's go!"screamed almost every Arsenal fan in this pit of despair with 88 minutes on the clock, as David Raya and Gabriel passed the ball to each other, seemingly in no great hurry.My God, didn't they realize what was happening?
Within a minute, Arsenal fell into euphoria.It was deserved, a reward for Mikel Arteta who threw every attacking tool into his kitchen sink as his team searched for the opening they craved.They knew they needed more pace, more energy and more shots after their recent run of games, and the 1-0 gift to Arsenal was largely given by a 16-year-old prodigy.Max Daumann was an inspired throw of the dice in a game so important.
The ball floated past the Everton defense and Hincapie headed it to Geogeres, who couldn't miss.
And that was just hors d'oeuvre.Dowman then delivered a Michelin star moment, sprinting the length of the pitch to score a goal for the ages.
Could Havertz be the attacking midfielder Arsenal want?
Arsenal need Kai Havertz to be fit and at full strength this season.He has been so sorely missed.Understandably, much was expected of his first start as a centre-forward in over a year.How his profile and attributes differ from Gokeres gave Arsenal a creative focal point to connect attacks more cleanly.Clever corner moves, soft touches and unpredictable moves were a blessing.It reminded me of the great football compliment that some players make those around them better.
Havertz was disappointed not to be penalized when he pounced on Eberechi Eze's good ball and fell into the net as he prepared to shoot, although his Achilles sprain was apparently not enough to satisfy the officials.
Arsenal also managed his minutes carefully and after a useful hour, he disappeared, replaced by the more settled Gyokeres.
All hands - and feet - are needed to protect the pump
It's a balancing act between finding game winners and the need to stop the opposition.Everton lit up a big danger when they had their chances.Arsenal were forced to use their skills, especially when Calafiori improvised until he was given plenty of space.Less football, more jazz.When McNeill took aim (not for the first time), Calafiori tried to get back to his feet and suddenly he raised his legs as his arms pushed around his body and blocked them spectacularly.
It was magic when Everton had three chances in a row to give Arsenal a real scare.They were dangerous when they pounced and David Raya had to be nimble and composed.
Will pairing Saka and Maduc help Arsenal's search for wide balance?
Not at all.Arsenal have tried many options, especially on the left, this season.Leandro Trossard started as the main man, Gabriel Martinelli had moments, Eze was tried briefly in that role and Madueke got another chance here.He earned his chance in part thanks to his performance at Leverkusen in midweek, which helped Arsenal earn a point in the Champions League.His effectiveness has changed when he's on the left side, however, as he tends to turn inside naturally.
In theory, two straight runners with speed and cunning on both sides are possible.Saka is still looking for a strong score.Martinelli replaced Madueke to try and tighten the screw and, surprisingly, Max Dowman took on the task of making something happen from the right.
What do I say to Arteta?
Mikel Arteta described Max Dowman's goal as "one of Arsenal's best moments at the Emirates.
Arteta said that he gave Dauman some simple instructions before he entered the field: "Go and do your job and win us the game." And the same with Victor and (Gabriel) Martinelli. I said that these are the moments in the season when something special happens and he knows that he has the ability and I have to give him the opportunity and he will do it.
"Time seemed to stand still when Dauman got close to the Everton goal. To me it felt like 45 seconds!"- said Arteta."I think it was really special because you feel everything building and building and seeing there's no goalie there and going, 'It's going to happen'. It was amazing. It was so loud, so energetic. What a moment."
"I think his character [Dauman], his personality and the fact that, as I said, he doesn't seem to be under pressure or his teammates or his opponent.
Arteta also praised Everton's performance in a close match.“Very good team. Really well coached, every time they come in and go around the penalty area, you feel how dangerous they are and it's very difficult to break down. You play with the fact that you need to win the game and to win, you have to stay calm.
"The crowd too. I think it was good to be calm today, wait for the right moment and leave the space to decide when to make that moment happen. In the end it all happened by luck."
What's next for Arsenal?
Tuesday, March 17: Bayer Leverkusen (home), Champions League Round of 16, 8:00 PM UK, 4:00 PM ET
