After transfer worries, Everton have an unlikely new hero
Not even Ainsley Maitland-Niles could have imagined his Premier League return for Everton would have played out like it did.
Everton's unexpected hero emerged in their 2-2 draw against Manchester United, as 29-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored his first Premier League goal of the season. The right-back, who transferred from Lyon during the deadline day, marked his debut with a spectacular strike, becoming the first Everton player in eight years to score on his professional return.
Maitland-Niles, who has had a nomadic career since his Arsenal debut in 2014, was thrilled to join the Toffees and felt the energy and spirit of the fans. Manager David Moyes expressed his surprise at Maitland-Niles' immediate impact, stating that the team was still getting to know him despite the short time they had to assess him.
The win came after a tumultuous week for the club, including the cancellation of a £65m bid for Harrison Armstrong and the departure of several other players. Despite the struggles of young striker Nathan Barry, who struggled with missed opportunities, Maitland-Niles' goal and the impressive performance of 20-year-old Tyrique George ensured a point for Everton, preserving their unbeaten start to the season.
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