Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he scored against Everton
377 CommentsEven in a season full of highs for Arsenal supporters, Max Dowman's goal against Everton stands out.
Not simply because it clinched a crucial win in a tense title race, or because it broke a 21-year Premier League record, but because of who scored it. A home-grown player.
The record Dowman broke had been held by James Vaughan.
"I went through it myself," the former Everton forward told BBC Sport. "You miss out on what other lads your age are doing - going out, going to parties. You're going to bed early.
"Now I'm a parent, I see it differently. My son's in an academy and you realise the sacrifice. Night after night, you're there in the cold, supporting them.
"Everyone around them - coaches, families - there's so much that goes into it. That's the side people don't see. There are a lot of hard yards from a lot of people."
In the modern game, that connection between pitch and stands feels rarer than ever. When it does appear, supporters embrace it. "He's one of our own" now echoes around grounds for players who have come through the system.
Academy success can be transformative. But in today's landscape, it can also serve a more pragmatic purpose - helping balance the books.
In the era of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), home-grown players carry huge value. They represent pure profit, meaning some clubs choose to sever that connection and cash in.
BBC Sport examines how Premier League clubs are using their youth system and what is means for rising stars.
What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent?
Published15 MarchMy plan to overhaul academy system and help young players
Published20 MarchWho is using their academy the most?Manchester City and Chelsea, even with heavy spending in recent years, are leading the way this season.
City have used seven academy players in the Premier League in 2025-26 - more than any other side. Chelsea's graduates, meanwhile, have accumulated the most minutes, with 5,673.
Manchester United's tradition continues - their ongoing run of naming at least one home-grown player in a matchday squad dates back to 1937. They have used six this season, although their combined minutes (1,264) are well short of Chelsea and City (5,162).
Across the Premier League, there are players from top-flight academies now at other teams.
Some players moved clubs during the season and others moved from one academy to another before making a senior appearance, the most notable example being Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool.
There has been an undoubted shift in the role of home-grown players.
It is more competitive than ever to sign the finest rising stars, and in turn, having players further on in the system having an impact makes for compelling case studies. A Dowman does wonders when you have a pathway to sell.