Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a spectacular last-minute equaliser for Everton to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United. The new signing's debut goal in stoppage time cancelled out Benjamin Sesko's 88th-minute strike for the visitors at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as reported by Daily Mail Sport.
Everton now sit eighth in the Premier League with five points from three games, their recent form reading DDW. They have scored five goals and conceded three, giving them a positive goal difference of two early in the campaign.
How did the late drama unfold?
Manchester United thought they had stolen all three points when Benjamin Sesko put them ahead with just two minutes of normal time remaining. That came after a second half where Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead immediately after the break, only for Tyrique George to equalise. Everton showed resilience and were rewarded in added time. The ball broke to deadline-day signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the edge of the box and he unleashed a powerful drive into the top corner.
Maitland-Niles was ecstatic after the final whistle. "It felt like a win," he said. "It's amazing. Everyone wants to start off like that and thankfully I did."
What did the managers say after the match?
Everton boss David Moyes praised his new player's decisive contribution. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was left frustrated by his team's inability to see out the game. "We’re bitterly disappointed," Carrick admitted. "It feels like a defeat. It's a bit of a cliche, but we have taken a point and we can't ignore that, but it feels like we should have had a lot more." Carrick also acknowledged his side's defensive issues, which have seen them concede in every match this season.
What is Everton's current defensive record?
The draw continued a pattern for Everton, who have now conceded two goals in all three of their league fixtures so far. While the attack is functioning, finding greater solidity at the back will be a focus for Moyes. The team is four points behind early leaders Manchester City in the title race, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.
What's next for Everton?
Attention now turns to a quick turnaround and a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur. That match is scheduled for September 12th. Spurs currently sit 18th in the table, making it an important opportunity for Everton to build momentum. You can view the full upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and track the team's progress in the standings.
Marcus Rashford was substituted for United in the second half due to a hamstring issue. Maitland-Niles completed a £4.2 million move from Lyon just 45 minutes before the transfer deadline and made an instant impact with his first goal for the club. Everton's next challenge is away at Tottenham Hotspur on September 12, 2026.
