David Moyes applauded Everton’s determined reaction after a difficult week as his team recovered from a deficit twice to earn a draw with Manchester United, sealed by Ainsley Maitland-Niles’s powerful long-range goal.
The deadline-day arrival entered the match in the 77th minute when James Garner suffered cramp and protected Everton’s unbeaten opening to the campaign by scoring from 25 yards in the 96th minute.
Tyrique George produced another outstanding equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium, lifting spirits after a transfer deadline day that left Moyes with a reduced squad and Thierno Barry as his only recognised striker.
Everton’s manager said it had not been difficult to shield his squad from the surrounding pessimism. “The reaction was completely different,” he said when asked whether the situation had affected his players negatively.
“I told the players that none of us would make excuses, and they were all in agreement. They fully embraced that attitude. Losing a player can be damaging, but it can also inspire a positive response.
“Having fewer options sometimes forces everyone to remain prepared and challenges you to discover solutions. We cannot predict how things will develop, but playing three matches in a week will make it demanding.”
Moyes also praised the exceptional finishes from Maitland-Niles and George, whose goals answered strikes by Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko respectively.
“Even if people were unfamiliar with you, a goal like that would attract considerable attention,” he said of Maitland-Niles, who joined from Lyon for £4.3m on deadline day. “It was an outstanding finish executed with excellent technique. We have barely had time to work with Ainsley, but he could hardly have made a better beginning.”
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
