Arsenal moved nine points clear at the Premier League summit following a late 2-0 win over Everton, but the talk of north London remains Max Dowman's sensational cameo. Given the freedom by Mikel Arteta to provide a game-winning spark, the 16-year-old bypassed title-race nerves to break down a stubborn Toffees side, forcing a mistake for Viktor Gyokeres' opener before adding a second himself.

Mikel Arteta praised Max Dowman after the 16-year-old became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in a 2-0 win over Everton. The Spaniard revealed his "gut feeling" to play the wonderkid because he proves he can do it against 'the best in the world' every day in training. The historic win moves the Gunners 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has jumped to the defence of Bukayo Saka following a string of underwhelming performances from the England international. The academy graduate was substituted after a disappointing hour-long cameo against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday night, sparking concerns about his current physical and mental state.

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has moved to de-escalate tensions with Mikel Arteta, revealing he sent a personal text message to the Arsenal boss following his outspoken criticism of the Gunners' tactical approach. The German manager had previously taken aim at the north London side's perceived game-management techniques during their narrow 1-0 victory at the Amex Stadium earlier this month. Despite the friction on the touchline during that encounter, Hurzeler was keen to ensure his professional respect for Arteta remained clear.

Everton boss David Moyes has defended Mikel Arteta against criticism of Arsenal's tactics. Despite leading the Premier League, a number of rivals and pundits have hit out at the Gunners' reliance on set-pieces. Moyes, who signed ex-midfielder Arteta for the Toffees, finds this baffling - insisting that not every team can play "the beautiful game" and that dead-ball efficiency is a vital strength for any title contender, not a flaw as many critics have suggested.