Arsenal's first team returned to training on Thursday to begin preparations for the final Premier League game of a historic season. However, one name was missing from the session: 16-year-old Max Dowman, who was forced to temporarily put away his football boots for school exams.
Just two days after breaking Phil Foden's record and becoming the youngest player in history to win the Premier League title, Dowman was back in the everyday reality of school. While his team-mates were enjoying title success, the academy talent had to sit for his GCSE exams.
It was a moment that brought the teenager back to earth, who has had an extraordinary rise under Mikel Arteta this season.
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title on Tuesday night after Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth. The result sparked celebrations in north London, but for Dowman the celebrations had to be cut short by school commitments.
It is not known exactly which subjects the 16-year-old is being tested in, but English, business, and economics are among the exams being taken this week by students across the country.
Dowman has been one of the standout stories of Arsenal's season. Despite his young age, he has shown that he can handle the pressure of top-flight football. Earlier in the season, he made headlines by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history in a 2-0 win over Everton.
That historic goal was part of an incredible journey that has seen the academy talent secure a regular place in Arteta's starting lineup. The midfielder has already made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, showing maturity beyond his years.
While his peers are focused on school life, Dowman has managed to balance the demands of a title race with his studies. Luckily for him, next week is the school holiday, which will give him more time to prepare for Arsenal's European commitments without the pressure of retaking exams.
While Dowman is focused on the books, Arteta received some good news in training with the return of Mikel Merino. The Spanish midfielder has been out since late January with a long-term foot injury but is now back in action.
His return gives Arsenal more options in midfield as the team looks to end the season in the best possible way.
Although the Premier League title is now secured, Arsenal still have big goals ahead of them. The Gunners travel to Crystal Palace for their final league game this Sunday. After the domestic season ends, attention will shift to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.
In that final, the London giants will have the opportunity to complete a historic double: the championship and Europe.
The club have already confirmed plans for a grand trophy parade in Islington on May 31, the day after the final against PSG. It's a moment Arsenal fans have been waiting for for more than two decades.
The players reportedly celebrated the title at the Emirates until 5am on Wednesday morning, but the focus quickly returned to professional duties.
Although he is in the midst of his GCSE exams, Dowman will no doubt be thinking about the biggest game in Arsenal's modern history. The 16-year-old is hoping to take a short break from his studies to be part of the final. If Arteta's side triumph in Budapest, he could find himself celebrating European glory right in the middle of exam season. /GazetaExpress/
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