Everton provide encouraging answer to one question facing David Moyes this season
Everton supporters could be forgiven for some trepidation before this afternoon's match, considering that chaotic, farcical and disgraceful transfer deadline day with the Toffees failing to sign the new striker they wanted and losing another three players to drastically weaken an already threadbare squad.
David Moyes is faced with the task of trying to ensure a squad of nineteen players can achieve not only Premier League safety (something I think is potentially now in some doubt) but also secure European qualification, which they failed to do last season, in no small part due to a raft of injuries.
So once again, the Blues manager has to juggle his paper-thin resources, beginning with the weekend's game at home to Manchester United.
Two of the players Everton were able to bring in this summer, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Jack Grealish, both started the match on the bench as Moyes continued with midfielder Merlin Rohl at right-back where he has played most of the pre-season, and Tyrique George operating on the left wing where Grealish plays.
The Toffees made a slow start to the game but grew into the contest and there were not too many chances at either end in an even first half.
However, after Thierno Barry missed an opportunity to head the hosts in front just after half-time, United scored as Bryan Mbueno put a shot past Jordan Pickford to break the deadlock.
Deapite his lack of playing options, Moyes made some changes bringing on Grealish and Maitland-Niles and moving George to the right side of the team.
The former Chelsea starlet who made his loan move permanent earlier in the transfer window, had been playing well and he opened his goal-scoring account for Everton with a superb strike to level the game.
Then it was United's turn to bring on a substitute who seemed to have turned the game and put the visitors ahead again. After Benjamin Sesko's goal it looked as though they would take all three points up the road to Manchester.
But the Blues kept going and with seconds left in extra-time Maitland-Niles popped up to produce a wonder goal on his debut to grab a deserved point for the Toffees.
A 2-2 draw and coming from behind twice to maintain the unbeaten start to the season, represents a solid start to the campaign.
There are plenty of signs then that the Blues resolve and combativeness is alive and well and that together with the quality of talent they do have if everyone is fit, can give Evertonians some cause for hope.
What will give ongoing concern of course, is the lack of depth and particuarly if another slew of injuries strike, which is very likely over the course of a long, hard Premier League season.
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Deadline day fiasco leaves Everton and David Moyes high and dry for coming season
