Maitland-Niles Stunner Rescues Everton Against United

Maitland-Niles Stunner Rescues Everton Against United

Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his return to the Premier League in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning stoppage-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

The former Arsenal defender, who joined Everton from Lyon on transfer deadline day, curled an unstoppable effort beyond Senne Lammens to preserve the Toffees' unbeaten start to the season.

United appeared to be heading towards their first away victory of the campaign after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, either side of Tyrique George's equaliser, had put Michael Carrick's side in control.

Fresh from scoring five against Ipswich Town, United started brightly and almost took the lead after eight minutes.

Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar after Mbeumo's knockdown, continuing United's frustrating relationship with the woodwork.

Marcus Rashford was also lively as the visitors repeatedly tested an Everton defence that had endured a turbulent week following the departures of Iliman N'Diaye, Beto and Nathan Patterson.

Everton struggled to create chances for much of the opening half but began to threaten shortly before the interval.

Thierno Barry headed over from Merlin Rohl's cross before Jarrad Branthwaite forced Lammens into a save.

United needed less than a minute after the restart to find the breakthrough.

Kobbie Mainoo supplied Mbeumo, who curled a superb finish beyond Jordan Pickford for his second goal of the season.

Brennan Johnson went close to responding for Everton before manager David Moyes introduced Jack Grealish and Hayden Hackney in an attempt to change the game.

The substitutions paid off when Hackney helped create Everton's equaliser, setting up George to fire a powerful effort past Lammens at the near post.

United responded and looked to have secured victory when substitute Sesko headed Luke Shaw's cross into the net, scoring for the second successive season away at Everton.

However, Maitland-Niles had the final word.

Deep into stoppage time, the deadline-day signing produced a magnificent curling strike that left Lammens helpless and sent the home crowd into celebration.

The result keeps Everton unbeaten after three Premier League matches, despite Moyes having limited options following a difficult end to the transfer window.

A late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed, leaving the Toffees with just 18 senior outfield players until January.

Maitland-Niles' dramatic intervention provided a timely boost, although Everton's lack of attacking depth could become an issue as the season progresses.

For United, the draw raises further concerns about their defensive performances.

Carrick's side have now conceded at least twice in each of their opening three league matches, having also shipped two goals against Hull City and Ipswich.

With Rashford, Fernandes, Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha providing plenty of attacking quality, United's ability to tighten up defensively could prove crucial if they are to build on last season's third-place finish.

TAGS

  • Football
  • Statistics
  • Ainsley Maitland
  • Niles
  • Everton
  • Manchester United
  • Premier League
Written by

Shante

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