Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his return to English football with a stunning stoppage-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Manchester United in the Premier League. The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Everton from Lyon on transfer deadline day, curled an unstoppable effort beyond Senne Lammens to……
Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked his return to English football with a stunning stoppage-time equaliser as Everton twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Manchester United in the Premier League.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who joined Everton from Lyon on transfer deadline day, curled an unstoppable effort beyond Senne Lammens to deny United their first away win of the season.
Michael Carrick’s side appeared on course for a second consecutive victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko scored either side of Tyrique George’s equaliser for Everton.
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However, Maitland-Niles’ first Premier League goal since December 2019 preserved Everton’s unbeaten start to the season following a turbulent week for the club.
United, fresh from a 5-0 victory over Ipswich Town last weekend, made a fast start and almost took the lead inside eight minutes when Bruno Fernandes struck the crossbar after Mbeumo’s knockdown inside the area.
It was the 24th time United had hit the woodwork since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League side.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Marcus Rashford particularly dangerous as Everton struggled to contain United’s attacking pressure.
Everton, meanwhile, lacked creativity in the final third just days after selling Iliman N’Diaye to Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth up to £65m.
The hosts eventually came to life shortly before half-time, with Thierno Barry heading over from Merlin Rohl’s excellent cross before Jarrad Branthwaite forced a save from Lammens.
United broke the deadlock less than a minute after the restart when Mbeumo collected the ball from Kobbie Mainoo before curling a spectacular effort past Jordan Pickford to score his second goal of the campaign.
Everton responded with greater urgency, with Brennan Johnson going close to levelling as Rashford continued to pose a threat at the other end.
David Moyes introduced summer signings Jack Grealish and Hayden Hackney midway through the second half, and Hackney played a key role in Everton’s equaliser.
The midfielder teed up George, who fired into the near corner to bring the hosts level.
United appeared to have snatched victory when substitute Sesko headed home Luke Shaw’s cross, scoring in his second consecutive visit to Everton.
But Everton had the final say deep into stoppage time as Maitland-Niles produced a superb finish to send the home supporters into wild celebrations and secure a share of the points.
