Last-gasp equalizer saves Everton: New signing who almost wasn't completed becomes their hero

In the early hours of September 7 Beijing time, Everton drew 2-2 with Manchester United at home in the third round of the Premier League. In the 95th minute, substitute new signing Maitland-Niles scored a stunning goal to help his team snatch a point at the last moment. Just a few days earlier, the 29-year-old England midfielder had almost failed to complete his transfer.

Last-gasp equalizer, one goal makes a name

Maitland-Niles did not come on as a substitute until the 77th minute. At that time, Everton were trailing 2-1 and had little time remaining. At 95 minutes and 10 seconds, he struck a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, sending the ball like a missile into the top corner. Manchester United goalkeeper Lammens did not even have time to react.

The goal sent Goodison Park into complete celebration. Players from the bench rushed onto the pitch, manager Moyes celebrated by pumping his fists, and fans in the stands refused to leave for a long time, singing in tribute to a team that had fought until its limits. For Everton, who had just experienced a chaotic transfer window, the emotions of the night were like a roller coaster—from despair to redemption, and then nearly falling back into trouble.

"Words cannot describe how I feel right now." After the match, Maitland-Niles still seemed unable to believe it while speaking to BBC. Before joining Everton, he had played three seasons at Ligue 1 club Lyon, making 119 appearances and scoring only six goals.

A signing that almost did not happen

Maitland-Niles' arrival itself was full of drama. During this transfer window, Everton had been searching for a right-back and tried moves for players including Palace's Munoz, Fulham's Castagne and Kenny Tete, but none were successful. Their top target Gue Doue was taken by Bayer Leverkusen for €37 million, while Tete's deal also collapsed at the final moment.

Ultimately, Everton signed Maitland-Niles two days before the transfer window closed for a budget fee of around £4 million. Ironically, this 'second-choice' signing was the player who saved the team in today's match. His appearance was also helped by teammate Garner—after filling in at right-back for a few minutes, Garner was substituted due to cramps, allowing Maitland-Niles to enter as a substitute.

"It was a fantastic goal," Moyes said after the match. "The technique was excellent, and the goalkeeper couldn't move. We are still getting to know Ainsley, understanding his training methods and how we want him to play. It will take a little time."

Striker shortage, Everton's season has only just begun

Behind this draw was a deeper crisis for Everton. In the final moments of the transfer window, the transfer of United States international Balogun unexpectedly collapsed, leaving Moyes with only one recognized center-forward. Combined with the failure to strengthen the right-back position, the team's squad depth is a concern.

With only three rounds played, this thin squad appears to already be close to its limit. But at least on this night, Maitland-Niles' goal gave them a chance to breathe. As one fan said on social media: "Look what happens when you sign a real right-back."

For Everton, this one point may not solve all their problems, but it is enough to help the team face the upcoming challenges with confidence. And Maitland-Niles, the new signing who almost was not signed, may already have injected a boost of energy into the club's season.