Everton defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been nominated for the Premier League’s Goal of the Month award for his memorable debut strike against Manchester United.
Maitland-Niles had been an Everton player for only five days when he came off the bench at the Hill Dickinson and marked his first appearance with a 96th-minute equaliser.
Maitland-Niles strike up for September award
With Everton trailing 2-1 deep into stoppage time, Maitland-Niles collected possession outside the penalty area and sent a 25-yard effort into the top corner to rescue a point for David Moyes’ side.
He had been on the pitch for less than 20 minutes, having replaced Harrison Armstrong in the 77th minute. The goal was only the second of Maitland-Niles’ Premier League career and his first since scoring for Arsenal against Liverpool in December 2018.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles' 96th-minute strike against Manchester United has been nominated for September's Premier League Goal of the Month! 🚀
— Everton (@Everton) September 24, 2026
Speaking after the game, Maitland-Niles admitted it had been quite an introduction.
“It’s amazing. Everybody wants to start off like that and thankfully I did.”
The 29-year-old is one of eight players nominated for September’s award. Harvey Barnes, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Dunk, Nicolas Jackson, Emiliano Buendia and Jay Dasilva complete the shortlist.
There is even an Everton connection to one of the rival goals, with Mbeumo’s effort coming earlier in the same 2-2 draw at the Hill Dickinson.
Voting closes at 12pm on Monday, 28 September, with the winner due to be announced on Friday, 2 October. Link is here… https://www.premierleague.com/en/awards/goal-of-the-month/2026-27/september
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Everton trio together as St Georges’as Garner joins Pickford and Branthwaite
Everton trio together as St Georges’as Garner joins Pickford and Branthwaite
Omari Benjamin provides timely Everton reminder as Moyes weighs striker options
Omari Benjamin provides timely Everton reminder as Moyes weighs striker options