Max Dowman became the youngest scorer in Premier League history as his incredible breakaway goal sealed a late 2-0 win over Everton to put Arsenal nine points clear.
With Jordan Pickford caught upfield for an Everton corner in a remarkable finale after Viktor Gyokeres had made the 89th-minute breakthrough, Dowman, aged 16 years and 73 days old, charged forward on the break and rolled into an empty net.
The historic goal, his first for Arsenal, sparked wild celebrations inside the Emirates Stadium and capped a game-changing cameo by Dowman, who created the first goal when his cross was missed by Pickford and bounced into the path of Gyokeres.
Everton had defended doggedly up until then, despite missing first-choice centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, and also struck the post through Dwight McNeil in the first half.
But Dowman's 74th-minute introduction tipped an edgy game in Arsenal's favour as the academy product's fearless performance inspired a momentous victory for Arsenal before second-placed Manchester City's 1-1 draw with West Ham.
For long periods, it seemed the chance to fully extend their lead was going to pass Arsenal by as they struggled to break down Everton, their frustration compounded when Kai Havertz was controversially denied a penalty for an apparent trip by Michael Keane.
Everton also carried an offensive threat with McNeil seeing an effort acrobatically blocked by Riccardo Calafiori moments before he hit the post, after which Iliman Ndiaye was unable to turn in the rebound. David Raya also saved from Beto after half-time.
Arsenal had plenty of shooting chances, with Eberechi Eze going closest when he curled narrowly wide and Pickford making several saves, but clear openings were few and far between.
That finally changed thanks to their history-making teenager, whose match-winning impact allowed Arsenal to take a huge step towards their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to Your Site: "It was a great moment, especially with the way the goal built up. We had 10 or 15 seconds to really enjoy what was about to happen.
"It was magical, all the bench and players together jumping up with the crowd, it was a beautiful day.
"He changed the game every time he got the ball. He made things happen and we looked like more of a threat.
"To do it at that age, in this context, with the pressure and expectations to win the game, it's just not normal.
"It's natural for him. He doesn't feel the pressure - that's the best thing. He does what he feels and when you have such a talent, I'm sure good things are going to happen.
"The impact the finishers are having this season is remarkable. Everybody is important and adding to the team.
"There are times when we have to patient because with all the dominance and the amount of shots we have when we don't score, the anxiety is building.
"You have to stay composed, be relentless in your desire to win the game and make something happen. The team had the spirit today."
Jamie Redknapp speaking on Your Site: "I promise you, Arsenal were not going to win the game until he came on.
"They were in quicksand. They had no energy, the crowd were on them. He changed the whole complexion of that game.
"He hasn't even done his GSCEs and he is doing things like that and making the game look easy.
"I would like to say I am surprised, but I have seen that little boy since he was seven. I remember watching him and thinking, 'you have got something different'."
Everton boss David Moyes to Your Site: "Really disappointed we didn't get something from the game because we certainly worked hard enough and earnt it.
"Small things - Jordan could maybe do better with the goal. He gets a bit of it but not enough. But he's made some unbelievable saves for us which have won us games, today we just needed [that] at the last minute. We just weren't quite able to stop it.
"Other than that, there's no problems at all. A great performance by the players, they put in a great shift. It's difficult with the officiating coming to Arsenal, so a lot of praise for the players.
"I thought Raya had more saves than Jordan. He made a couple of great saves and we hit the post."
