Ainsley Maitland-Niles made his Everton debut with a superb strike, with virtually the last kick of the game to snatch a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
Maitland-Niles’ arrival from Lyon on the last day of the transfer window was overshadowed by Everton’s inability to strengthen their assault.
However, the former Arsenal full-back punished United’s lackluster play with a long-range shot into the top corner in the 96th minute.
Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead within the first minute of the second period.
However, Everton, who lacked attacking alternatives, recovered to draw level through Tyrique George.
Substitute Benjamin Sesko’s header appeared to have given United all three points.
However, United’s choice not to strengthen Michael Carrick’s defense will come under closer examination, as they have conceded twice in their first three Premier League games.
A draw keeps Everton unbeaten and one point ahead of United, which should soothe the club’s fans.
A disappointing end to the window could still have an impact on the team’s performance for the remainder of the season.
Following the departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65 million ($88 million) and Beto to Fiorentina, the Taffies are anticipated to reinforce their forward line by acquiring Monaco’s Folarin Balogun.
An issue with the USA International’s medical caused the clubs to feverishly rework the structure of a £40 million agreement, but Balogun rejected the offer.
As a result, David Moyes now has only one natural striker to choose from, Thierno Barry, and only 18 outfield players.
The return of Jack Grealish on loan for the season hardly cushioned the impact, as Moyes faces the reality of a likely relegation struggle rather than a challenge for Europe.
Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as United hammered Ipswich 5-2 last weekend, resuming their season following a disastrous 2-0 loss at Hull.
In an otherwise lackluster first half, the United captain came closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot that rebounded off the crossbar.
Moyes’ team’s sluggish start in the second half proved costly, as Mbeumo was able to bear down on goal with his preferred left foot and blast a shot past Jordan Pickford. United failed to capitalize on their advantages.
The entrance of Grealish from the bench enthralled the home supporters, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall twice failed to connect sweetly with clear sight of goal.
But the visitors’ luck ran out seven minutes later, when Hayden Hackney fed George, who fired into the top corner from a narrow angle.
Sesko’s activity was limited at the start of the season owing to a pre-season injury, but the Slovenian looked quick as he stooped to head in Luke Shaw’s cross to restore United’s advantage.
The Red Devils never looked comfortable at the back, but they could not have predicted the manner of the equalizer.
United appeared to have removed the danger with five minutes of additional time remaining, but the ball broke to Maitland-Niles, who swept a looping shot into the top corner.
