Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, praised one player after an explosive performance that set a sensational Premier League record.
Following the English Premier League match on Saturday night, "the Gunners" Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0, maintaining their lead at the top of the table and extending their lead over second-place Manchester City to nine points.
One of the most talked-about players in this match was Arsenal's rising star Max Dawman, who delivered an outstanding performance, contributing to the opening goal and then skillfully dribbling past two Everton players to score the second goal in injury time, sealing the win for the Gunners.
He also made history as the youngest player to score in the Premier League at just 16 years and 73 days old, breaking the previous record set by former Everton player James Vaughan in 2005, prompting praise from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Victor Yokeres.
Arteta said, “That’s what I see every day in training: a player who remains unfazed by situations and opponents during the game. He is 16 but plays very naturally. He dares to make decisions to create opportunities, and what he’s done is incredible for his teammates, his family, and all of us involved in football... I sensed from his training over the past few days that this was a crucial moment for him.”
When asked if he said anything to Dawman before he entered the pitch, Arteta replied, “Go out and do what you do best and help the team secure victory, just like Yokeres and Martinelli. I told him this is a moment in the season when something special needs to happen, and he knows his ability. I have to give him the chance, and he will deliver.”
Meanwhile, Yokeres said, “It’s incredible. You can see how he plays—calm and fearless every time he gets the ball. He usually makes the right decisions, and with that goal, he absolutely made the right choice. He’s an excellent player. It was a fantastic goal for him, and I’m very happy for him.”