Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck deep in added time to rescue a dramatic 2–2 draw for Everton against Manchester United at a rocking Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
The deadline-day signing, introduced off the bench for his Toffees debut, curled a spectacular long-range effort into the top corner in the 96th minute to salvage a precious Premier League point for the hosts.
Manchester United twice held the lead through second-half strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, the latter appearing to have snatched a late winner in the 88th minute.
However, a resilient Everton found answers on both occasions, with teenage prospect Tyrique George also finding the net.
The result marks another frustrating setback for United, who have managed just one win from their opening three league matches following an opening-day defeat to Hull and a victory over Ipswich.
Erik ten Hag’s side continue to be plagued by defensive vulnerabilities, having now conceded exactly two goals in three consecutive games.
After a cagey first half, Mbeumo broke the deadlock immediately after the interval, firing a clinical, low drive into the far corner to put the visitors ahead.
Everton rallied late in the half. George lashed home a fierce equalizer at the near post in the 83rd minute, only for United substitute Šeško to silence the home crowd five minutes later by steering a header past the goalkeeper.
With United seconds away from securing all three points, the ball broke to Maitland-Niles outside the penalty area in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
The debutant unleashed a stunning, first-time strike that left United goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted to the spot.
“Everybody wants to start off like that,” a delighted Maitland-Niles said after the match.
“The ball fell to me on the edge of the box. I put my foot through it, it ended up in the top corner, which I’m happy about.”
Everton’s co-hero George echoed the squad’s fighting spirit: “We just knew that we could get back into the game, that’s what we did. We couldn’t get the win but it felt like a win definitely.”
(Fox Sports)
