Highly rated Arsenal youngster Max Dowman came off the bench to make his senior debut against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.
At 15 years, 235 days, Dowman is the second-youngest player in Arsenal and Premier League history. Ethan Nwaneri holds the record for both after coming on as a substitute against Brentford in September 2022 aged 15 years. 181 days.
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"Very proud," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told the BBC. "Big credit to the academy and to everyone who has contributed to that journey.
"The families, hopefully they lived a beautiful day. The maturity and confidence and the joy he provides to the rest of the team is magnificent.
"Let's do it naturally and organically. We have to look after him and make sure we protect him as well."
Dowman, only the third player under the age of 16 to play in the Premier League, replaced Noni Madueke in the 64th minute and delivered an impressive cameo. The teenager showed why he is so highly thought of with one mazy run, and two long-range efforts before he was upended by Anton Stach to win a penalty in stoppage time.
Viktor Gyökeres converted the resulting spot kick for his second goal of the game as Arsenal completed a dominant 5-0 win.
"I think everyone can see the potential he has," Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber, who also cored twice, said to Sky Sports of Dowman. "Playing today against grown men. He is a joy to watch, for the crowd, too, he is a joy to watch. Hopefully, he will have many amazing years here."
Information from PA was used in this report.
