Ainsley Maitland-Niles has labelled his Everton debut as one of his ‘favourite’ days of his career.
The right-back scored a stunning equaliser in the final seconds to snatch a point against Manchester United on Sunday.
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It came just five days after Maitland-Niles completed a deadline day move to the Toffees.
The 29-year-old signed from Lyon for £4.3million this week, penning a three-year deal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Maitland-Niles was brought on after 77 minutes against the Red Devils, with Everton trailing 1-0.
Despite Tyrique George equalising, the home side fell behind again through Benjamin Sesko just two minutes from the 90-minute mark.
However, Maitland-Niles was on hand to rescue a draw with a fantastic long-range effort into the top corner.
His strike cued jubilant scenes inside the stadium as the Toffees maintained their unbeaten start to the new Premier League season.
David Moyes’ side sit eighth after one win and two draws from their opening three matches.
As for Maitland-Niles, he admitted after the match: “It’s definitely one of my favourite days of my career. I don’t think I have [struck a ball that well]. Maybe in training.”
The five-cap England international went on to add: “I think it’s an indescribable feeling.
“It’s really emotional, it’s like being out there, going through a flashback. So I can’t really put into words what it is.”
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Historic Everton goal
Maitland-Niles’ goal saw him pick up from where he left off at Lyon, having already scored once for them this season.
He was on target in a Champions League third qualifying round tie against Sparta Prague in August.
Meanwhile, it was his first in the Premier League since scoring for Arsenal against Liverpool in December 2018.
His latest strike came with a piece of history for Maitland-Niles, though.
He is the first player ever to score from outside the penalty area on his Premier League debut for Everton.
The appearance also marked his 110th in the top-flight of English football.
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Maitland-Niles has previously appeared for Southampton, West Brom and Arsenal, where he won three FA Cups.
Prior to leaving the Gunners for Lyon in 2023, he won the Conference League during a loan spell at Italian giants Roma.
