Everton (H) EPL R30 Review / Leverkusen (H) UCL R16 L2 Preview A 16‑Year‑Old Changes Everything - Emirates Euphoria v Everton Arsenal leave it late — gloriously, deliriously late — as 16‑year‑old Max Dowman announces himself to the world with one of the moments of the season: a 97th‑minute, half‑length‑of‑the‑pitch solo winner that sends the Emirates into absolute meltdown. Tabs and Jamie relive every second of the glorious goal, from the corner clearance to the three‑stage crescendo of disbelief, to the entire bench emptying in celebration. Recorded the morning after the madness, this episode dives deep into Dowman's emergence, his fearlessness, his composure, and the surreal reality that Arsenal’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer might genuinely shape the title race. They break down why Arteta trusted him over Jesus, how he’s already influencing matches, and why his innocence, joy, and unpredictability are exactly what this team needed. Tabs also issues a heartfelt apology to the Grove WhatsApp group — and the poor souls around him in the stadium — after accidentally triggering mass panic by shouting “handball?!” during the celebrations. VAR has broken us all. On the tactical side, the lads analyse a tough, physical Everton side, the importance of Calafiori’s return, Madueke’s bright performance, the midfield balance, and the defensive wobbles that nearly cost Arsenal. They also discuss Timber’s injury, the bench composition, and the growing question of who drops out when Trossard returns. The episode wraps with a look ahead to the second leg against Bayer Leverkusen — the lineup decisions, the fitness concerns, and the psychological lift of City dropping points thanks to Arsenal's Mavropanos. Key Talking Points • Max Dowman iconic 97th‑minute winner and the eruption that followed • The innocence, joy, and fearlessness of a 16‑year‑old changing a Premier League match • Why Arteta trusted Dowman over Jesus • The bench emptying, the crowd losing its mind, and the three‑stage crescendo • Tabs’ accidental VAR‑induced panic in the stadium • Everton’s physicality, organisation, and surprisingly positive approach • Calafiori’s creativity, Madueke’s dribbling, and Havertz’s role • Defensive scares, Zubimendi’s risky moments, and the clean sheet paradox • Title‑race implications after City drop points • Leverkusen second‑leg preview: selection dilemmas and tactical tweaks Follow, rate, and subscribe on your favourite podcast app. Find us on socials: @thegroveafc This is The Grove, and everyone is welcome. COME ON YOU GUNNERS! ---- Follow, rate, and subscribe to The Grove Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube @thegroveafc Find us on BlueSky, Threads, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube: @thegroveafc Email us here: thegrovepodcast@outlook.com 🔴 #Arsenal #AFC #COYG #ArsenalPodcast #gunners #EPL #Arteta #ARSCHE #odegaard #eze #madueke #gyokeres #saka #trossard #martinelli #zubimendi #raya #hincapie #jesus #rice #gabriel #MLS #saliba #mosquera #EPL #havertz #calafiori #norgaard #timber #white #norgaard #saliba #UCL #EFLCup #FACup #dowman #salmon (VIDEO EDIT)
