Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser on his Everton debut as the Toffees fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League.
The former Arsenal defender, who joined Everton from Lyon on transfer deadline day, delivered a stunning long-range effort in the sixth minute of added time, curling the ball into the top corner to deny United victory.
Manchester United appeared to have done enough to claim all three points after substitute Benjamin Sesko restored their lead with a header late in the game.
Bryan Mbeumo had earlier put the visitors ahead shortly after the restart, taking advantage of a sluggish Everton defence to fire past Jordan Pickford.
Everton, despite having limited attacking options following their failure to sign another striker before the transfer window closed, responded through Tyrique George, who levelled with a powerful finish from a tight angle.
United captain Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock in a first half short of quality, with his volley striking the crossbar.
United eventually found the breakthrough soon after the interval when Mbeumo was allowed space to cut in on his preferred left foot before sending a low shot beyond Pickford.
The visitors, however, struggled to control the match after taking the lead. Everton substitute Jack Grealish helped energise the home side, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall twice missed opportunities to make the pressure count.
Everton eventually equalised seven minutes from normal time after Hayden Hackney found George, who fired into the top corner from a difficult angle.
Sesko then appeared to have settled the contest in United’s favour when he met Luke Shaw’s cross with a well-placed header.
But Everton refused to give up. With added time almost exhausted, the ball fell to Maitland-Niles, who unleashed a curling effort that flew into the top corner to spark celebrations among the home supporters.
The result means Everton remain unbeaten and stay one point above United in the early league standings.
The draw will nevertheless increase questions over United’s defensive strength, with the club having conceded twice in each of their opening three Premier League matches.
Everton’s late transfer-window disappointment also remains a concern for manager David Moyes. The club sold Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million and allowed Beto to join Fiorentina, while a proposed £40 million move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun collapsed after an issue with the player’s medical.
Moyes was consequently left with Thierno Barry as his only recognised striker and a squad of just 18 outfield players. Grealish’s season-long loan from Manchester City has provided some attacking relief, but Everton’s lack of depth could prove significant as they seek to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
United, meanwhile, had entered the game with renewed confidence after Fernandes scored a hat-trick in their 5-2 victory over Ipswich last weekend, following a 2-0 defeat by Hull in their opening fixture.
The late collapse at Goodison Park, however, denied Michael Carrick’s side another victory and exposed further defensive concerns.
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