Ainsley Maitland-Niles in action for Lyon and David Moyes celebrating for Everton FC.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles and David MoyesImago

The mind-blowing Everton landmark that Ainsley Maitland-Niles created after stunner vs Man United

Jacob Raw

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

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Ainsley Maitland-Niles stunned both Everton and Manchester United with his late goal in the 2-2 draw at Hill Dickinson.

The Toffees gained a point against the Red Devils in a thriller on Sunday, continuing their undefeated start to the season.

But it looked as though the visitors were going to take all the points after Benjamin Sesko scored a later header.

However, Maitland-Niles stepped up off the bench to rifle in a right-footed shot in the 96th minute that left goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted to the spot.

David Moyes will now have to decide on whether to stick with Merlin Rohl at right-back, or play his £4.2million deadline-day signing.

There were some early doubts about the signing of Maitland-Niles, but the landmark he has already achieved at Everton suggests he is in for a successful time in Merseyside.

The landmark Ainsley Maitland-Niles achieved with goal vs Man United

Maitland-Niles was arguably a panic signing that Everton made after they realised they were not going to be able to bring Fulham's Kenny Tete to Hill Dickinson.

He, among other right-backs, were followed all summer, and though Maitland-Niles was clearly admired, he was not a top target.

No Evertonian will care about that after his debut goal, which has achieved a first-ever for the Blues.

According to Opta Joe, Maitland-Niles is the first player ever to score outside the penalty area on their Premier League debut for Everton.

The 29-year-old has set an incredible landmark, with a goal that could be of significant importance come the end of the season.

But should Moyes now hand Maitland-Niles a spot in the starting eleven?

Ainsley Maitland-Niles in action for Lyon and David Moyes celebrating for Everton FC.
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The right-back dilemma David Moyes now has

Rohl has been very good in right-back since the start of the season, and had mixed moments against the Red Devils.

He was withdrawn from the game in the 75th minute, right before a further three goals were to follow in the match.

One of Man United's goals came from Everton's right-hand side in the absence of Rohl, as Luke Shaw's cross found the the head of Sesko.

But can Moyes really choose against starting Maitland-Niles now?

Considering he is more of the natural right-back, it would make sense for the Englishman to start from now on.

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