David Moyes hails Maitland-Niles goal as ‘big moment’ for Everton after late Man Utd drama

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David Moyes has described Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ equaliser against Manchester United as a “big moment” for Everton and insists his small squad will “make it work” this season.

The build-up to Sunday’s clash centred on the transfer window, with several departures and failed deadline-day moves leaving Moyes with a threadbare squad.

Yet one of Everton’s deadline-day arrivals ultimately rescued the result. Maitland-Niles capped a dream debut with a brilliant stoppage-time equaliser from distance to earn the Blues a point.

Moyes felt Everton deserved at least that much and, despite being disappointed not to win, praised his players for pushing until the final whistle.

"For periods we played well. I thought Man Utd played better than they have done in their other games," he said to Sky Sports.

"The first goal we concede is shabby. But I thought if anyone was going to go on and win the game after we equalise it would be us. I set out to win.

"For us, to give the crowd moments, it was a big moment. But I wanted to win and I thought we were capable of winning. I need to win my home games.

"You don't plan as a manager to equalise in the last minute. But I thought the boys did amazing to keep running. We did well to ride their pressure and we got the great finish to end.

"Sometimes when you've got less players, it means everyone has to be ready. Players on the fringes are going to have to show why they deserve to be involved. When you've got a small squad you have to find a way to make it work.

“I don’t think they [the fans] will be calm by that [the result] because they still know the size of the squad we got. Sometimes it gives players an opportunity to show what they can do. Sometimes, having too many players in the camp gives you problems behind the scenes, squads are too big, and players moan because they aren’t in it. Players will be given opportunities and that’s where they will be judged in how they do."

Read more - What we learned: Everton 2-2 Manchester United

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