Everything was going one way towards Arsenal. Lack of ideas, lack of intensity – and history repeated itself.
On this very day three years ago, Arsenal dropped a point to David Moyes’ side. A 2-2 draw with West Ham was decisive in the race for the Premier League title. They tied this game 0-0 last season, but things were heading in that direction again.
But history does not repeat itself, history books have been written. Max Dauman appears. He made a cameo appearance at the age of 16, winning a game for Arsenal. It could bring Arsenal the title.
Dowman would steal the headlines, the video clicks and the social media buzz with his silky second that skipped Keenan Dewsbury Hall and sent Everton players scrambling into an empty net.
However, his deep cross caused chaos and Victor Gökeres scored late in the match to break the goal. That was a bold thing for someone his age. “He didn’t just score goals, I think he changed the game,” Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports.
“Every time he got the ball, he did something. It made us look more of a threat. It’s not normal to do that at that age, in this situation, under this pressure.”
Arsenal once again faced an anxious and anxious Emirates Stadium crowd. Fans begged for the ball to move forward. So Arteta brought in the wildcard, knowing he had the ability to drive the ball towards Everton’s goal.
“I felt it was his chance now,” Arteta said. “Maybe it’s because he doesn’t seem fazed by the situation, the moment, the situation or the opponent.
“He plays very naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen and what he brought was unbelievable.
“The speed of the game was definitely different every time he was involved in the action. I think he created a different energy in the stadium.”
And he did. No other Arsenal player has mastered the dribble better than the 16-year-old, and has put it all forward. Only Declan Rice created more chances than Dowman. Only Gabriel earned more fouls.
Despite all the chaos, he only entered the pitch in the 74th minute. “Max Dauman did more in those 16 minutes and stoppage time than Bukayo Saka did on the right wing,” Redknapp added.
What’s amazing is not just how he was able to manipulate the game, but how much his teammates believe in such a young player. He touched the ball 28 times, more than Kai Havertz had in an hour.
“He makes the right decisions most of the time,” Gokeres told Sky Sports. “If you look at the goal, he definitely scored the right goal. He’s a great player and it was a great goal for him.”
Those who have followed Dauman’s career, even if it was in its early stages, are not surprised. It’s worth remembering that this is not Dowman’s first standout performance this season, although coaches at youth level say dribbling is his “superpower” and Redknapp admitted he had noticed the teenager’s talent since the age of seven.
He made a stunning cameo on his Premier League debut against Leeds in August, then in November became the youngest ever player in the Champions League and Arsenal’s man of the match in their FA Cup win at Mansfield.
But every teenage sensation had a “star is born” moment. 16-year-old Wayne Rooney made it all home for Moyes’ side with a stunning long-range goal for Everton against Arsenal. Marcus Rashford played doubles against FC Midtjylland and Arsenal. Theo Walcott showed off his long run and assist at Anfield in the Champions League.
Dauman’s moment, now on the radar of the nation, came at a younger age than any of those players. But the question on everyone’s lips is:
The Arsenal attacker is due to sign a professional contract with Arsenal when he turns 17 in December, but he has already produced one of the moments of the season, showing he can handle the high-level pressure of Premier League matches. Will it be extended to start soon?
“Calm down!” Arteta said. “Let’s come to earth today and enjoy this moment, because it was intense and worth it. And we can see tomorrow.”
It is clear that Dauman is one of the stars of tomorrow who is making an impact today.



