Leeds United marked their return to the Premier League with a rousing 1-0 victory over Everton, decided by Lukas Nmecha’s 84th-minute penalty after James Tarkowski handled Anton Stach’s goal-bound strike. Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and, after a check, the on-field decision stood. Nmecha, on his Leeds United debut, dispatched his kick with icy calm to detonate the Elland Road noise.
Daniel Farke's side dominated for long spells without finding the finishing touch, while Everton were timid for much of the night before threatening a late share of the points. Charly Alcaraz forced a fine save from debutant goalkeeper Lucas Perri in the 75th minute, and a goalless draw seemed the likely outcome until the decisive handball. Leeds then saw out seven minutes of stoppage time without serious alarm to bank three valuable opening-night points.
Relentless start, little reward for Leeds on the front foot
Farke promised to keep faith with the attacking principles that propelled Leeds back to the top flight, and the first half bore that out. Leeds pinned Everton back, their tempo and set-piece threat unsettling the visitors. Debutants Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson repeatedly delivered into dangerous areas, while Jordan Pickford had to be sharp early to deny Joël Piroe.