Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League, with 16-year-old Max Dowman making history and Viktor Gyokeres scoring the decisive late goal to extend Arsenal’s lead at the top to 10 points.

Arsenal began brightly at the Emirates, creating the first opportunity from a short corner routine when Declan Rice laid the ball off to Noni Madueke, whose shot was comfortably saved by Jordan Pickford.

The hosts continued to push forward early on, with Riccardo Calafiori seeing an effort blocked by Idrissa Gueye, while Calafiori, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze all fired off target as the chances began to mount.

Everton remained dangerous on the counter, and only a brilliant improvised block from Calafiori denied Dwight McNeil from close range. McNeil then came close again moments later, curling a long-range effort against the post.

The contest developed into a lively encounter, with Eze striking a long-range effort that clipped Martin Zubimendi before Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall forced a sharp save from David Raya.

Arsenal suffered a setback before half-time when Jurrien Timber was forced off through injury, while Everton goalkeeper Iliman Ndiaye rushed out quickly to deny Saka in the closing moments of the first half.

The visitors threatened again after the restart when Beto was denied by Raya’s outstretched boot. At the other end, Saka and Calafiori both saw attempts blocked by Michael Keane as Everton continued to defend resolutely.

Pickford produced another save to deny Saka as Arsenal kept probing, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to introduce Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli just after the hour mark.

It appeared a moment of brilliance would be needed to break the deadlock, and Eze came close with a curling effort that drifted narrowly wide. Arsenal continued trying their luck from distance, with Eze again testing Pickford before Dowman fired over.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Pickford failed to deal with a cross from Dowman, allowing the ball to bounce off Piero Hincapie and fall kindly to Gyokeres, who finished from close range to give Arsenal the lead.

Dowman then capped a remarkable cameo in stoppage time. With Pickford upfield for a late corner, the teenager surged forward on the counterattack and rolled the ball into the empty net to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

The victory marked Arsenal’s fourth consecutive league win and extended their unbeaten run against Everton to seven matches. It also temporarily moved the Gunners 10 points clear of Manchester City, while Everton suffered their first defeat in three league games.