Why Max Dowman’s goal hit Arsenal fans differently than Reiss Nelson’s

Max Dowman still can't quite believe it. The 16-year-old (no, that's not a typo) eased past players like Messi in the dying moments of a match to secure all three points for the Gunners. His goal felt similar to that of his fellow Hale End graduate, Reiss Nelson, except Max Dowman's was much closer to the end of the season.

Arsenal fans have been guilty of celebrating too early in the past. We forgot the two simple rules of being an Arsenal fan: never celebrate too early, and always expect the worst.

When Reiss Nelson rifled that goal in the last kick of the game, Arsenal fans were ecstatic. It felt like they won the title that day, but to cut a long story short, they didn't.

After Max Dowman's goal, though, something feels different about this Arsenal team.

Max Dowman's goal just feels so much sweeter than Reiss Nelson's

Not to take anything away from Reiss Nelson's moment, in the same goal, against Bournemouth. However, something about Max Dowman's goal feels like the end, not a false start.

Through no fault of his own, Reiss Nelson's goal led to nothing ultimately. In hindsight, the celebrations were somewhat over the top, albeit not through choice, due to the goal being scored in the 26th game.

Max Dowman's goal, though, was scored in the 31st week. Arsenal are much closer to the finish line, and let's face it, their competition is much weaker this time around.

The Arsenal team Reiss Nelson played in was naive, again through no fault of his own, and they were facing a Man City team that was one of the best in the club's history.

On the flip side, the Arsenal team Max Dowman is playing in is one of the strongest in Arsenal's history, and in a title race against one of the worst Man City sides in recent history.

Of course, a lot could happen between now and the end of the season. It isn't done, and it won't be done until it's done. However, Arsenal are better placed to win the league now than they were when Reiss Nelson scored that goal against Bournemouth.

And for Max Dowman, this feels significant. His goal was almost the least impressive part of his cameo. He whipped in a great cross for Viktor Gyokeres to open the scoring, and his all-round play was brilliant.

Without Dowman on the pitch, Arsenal were lacklustre. With him, they comfortably beat Everton.

This is the making of someone truly special. There is every chance he could become Arsenal's best academy product since Bukayo Saka.