A look at some of the moments beyond the headlines from Everton's 2-2 draw with Manchester United
Harry Maguire and Harrison Armstrong scuffle at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Harry Maguire and Harrison Armstrong scuffle at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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Everton’s point against Manchester United came with plenty of highlights after blockbuster goals from Tyrique George and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Their strikes enabled the Blues to leave Hill Dickinson with a morale-boosting point after a week so tumultuous that even a fanbase that has been tested to the limit over recent years was left reeling.
But for all the turbulence off the pitch, Everton are unbeaten on it. Here are some of the moments from behind the scenes of a draw worth celebrating.
Flawless Harrison Armstrong floors Youri Tielemans and scraps with Harry Maguire
If it was not for the intervention of supporters, Harrison Armstrong probably would not have been playing for Everton this weekend. The revolt in the away end at Bournemouth prevented the sale of the homegrown gem and his value was reinforced on Sunday.
The teenager was far from overawed by a rival midfield of Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo and started this game like a hurricane.
The biggest pre-game roar came when his name was read out in the starting line-up and the first big ovation from the crowd came with his satisfying, crunching challenge on Tielemans early on.
He was booked soon after for hauling down Fernandes but it is a mark of his maturity that he remained at the heart of the midfield for the rest of the game without picking up a second yellow. That is not to say he shirked the fight - Armstrong later scrapped with Harry Maguire as the pair contested an Everton corner at the back post.
Jack Grealish receives hero’s welcome
When the home team arrived behind the west stand two hours before kick-off, much of the focus was understandably on one man. On a deadline day now infamous because of what Everton did not do, the marquee return of Jack Grealish was overshadowed.
But make no mistake, his arrival has still had a galvanising impact. Backwards baseball cap and long flowing locks unleashed, he was a popular figure when he stepped inside the stadium - even stopping to hug and catch up with club staff on his way in.
When he was sent out to warm up during the first half there was an enormous round of applause as he approached the northwest corner, too.
Erling Haaland gets in on the act
Grealish had an instant impact when he entered the fray in the second half, adding composure and guile to the Blues attack. He helped build Everton towards their late push and finally got Diogo Dalot booked after he beat the defender and forced him to haul him back. Dalot could have been booked for regular fouls on George in the opening stages and Michael Carrick, sensing danger, took him off after he eventually ended up in referee John Brooks’ book.
Following every step of Grealish’s return to Everton was his Manchester City pal Erling Haaland. When George scored, Haaland posted a screenshot of the goal with the caption: “What a finish Grealo in = turns the game around.” He then added “or not”, when Benjamin Sesko put Man Utd ahead again, accepting he may have jinxed the Blues. When Maitland-Niles scored to make it 2-2, Haaland was back posting a selfie and affirming: “No jinx.”
Maitland-Niles causes shock on the bench
Maitland-Niles’ stunning strike caused shock as well as joy in the Everton dugout. Everyone involved with the Blues rose to their feet, with some charging to take part in the celebrations.
Carlos Alcaraz could only stand and watch in amazement, however, with footage capturing him turning to fellow sub Braiden Graham and showing his surprise. Like Tyler Dibling, Alcaraz had his head in his hands at the audacity of the equaliser.
Should we really be surprised?
Much has been said about Maitland-Niles being an unexpected saviour - his strike was just his second Premier League goal in his 110th appearance.
But footage shared by fitness coach Brodie Couzins suggested the defender has been practicing for such a moment. Couzins posted Maitland-Niles going through a training drill where he repeatedly found the top corner from the edge of the box.