Max Dowman is set to fulfill his Arsenal dream after a major rule change ensures he will receive a Premier League winners' medal should the Gunners clinch the title this season. The 16-year-old prodigy has made enough appearances to meet the reduced threshold of five matches, thanks to a rule alteration implemented before the 2012/13 season.
Dowman's Breakthrough Season
The teenage sensation has forced his way into Mikel Arteta's first-team plans this campaign, showcasing his immense talent despite his youth. Arteta has handed Dowman valuable playing time, most notably in the League Cup and with three substitute appearances in the Champions League. However, it is his five Premier League outings that have proven crucial, with his fifth coming in the 3-0 victory over Fulham last week, where he was introduced from the bench with 12 minutes remaining.
Arsenal supporters will recognize that Dowman thoroughly deserves the accolade. He registered an assist on his debut against Leeds United at the start of the season, and later set up a goal and scored one himself against Everton in March, helping the Gunners secure a vital three points.
Rule Change Details
Since the 2012/13 season, the title-winning club has received 40 medals in total. Any player who has featured in a minimum of five matches must be awarded a medal, meaning Dowman is assured his own piece of silverware. The club can then allocate the remaining medals as they see fit, sharing them among the manager, coaching staff, or even other players who haven't made five appearances.
Before the rule change, Dowman would have needed a minimum of ten outings. Manchester United in 2013 became the first club to benefit from this new, reduced threshold after securing the title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final campaign at the helm.
Title Race Remains Tight
Of course, there remains the small matter of getting over the finishing line for Arteta's side, who are likely driven more by the fact they have fallen heartbreakingly short three seasons in a row than by a commemorative medal. The Gunners have three league matches remaining, and winning all three would secure them the title. Their hunt for the trophy, which has eluded them since 2004, continues against West Ham this Sunday afternoon.
