Leeds United Edge Everton 1-0 in Thrilling Premier League Return

Leeds United kicked off their Premier League return with a hard-earned 1-0 win against Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025. A late penalty from substitute Lukas Nmecha sealed the victory in a match filled with intensity and a roaring home crowd, though a controversial call left Everton fuming.

With Daniel Farke as head coach, Leeds had the upper hand as it made 12 shots in the first half. New signings Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson ensured that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was kept on his toes early on by making dangerous runs to bombs, and Joel Piroe took an early hit on Everton in the goalkeeper.

Under its manager, David Moyes, Everton has not been able to string a bead of passes of 14 in the Leeds half till the break and did not attempt a shot on target until the 53rd minute. Without the presence of an isolated Beto, they had no spark going forward, and even the loaned player, substitute Jack Grealish, could not provide the reversal of fortune.

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The game’s turning point came in the 84th minute when Stach’s shot hit James Tarkowski’s arm, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty. Nmecha stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Pickford, sending the Elland Road faithful into a frenzy. Moyes and Tarkowski were livid, with the Everton boss calling the decision “harsh” in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. “It’s tough to lose like that,” Moyes said, arguing Tarkowski’s arm was in a natural position after a deflection.

This win marks Leeds’ first opening-day victory as a promoted side since 2007-08 and sets a strong tone for their campaign to avoid relegation. Farke hailed the “special night” and stressed the need to make Elland Road a tough place for opponents. Everton, now without a win on Matchday 1 for four straight seasons, face Brighton next at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Standout performances came from Leeds’ Ao Tanaka (7.94 rating) and Stach (7.85), while Everton’s players failed to impress, none surpassing a 7.30 rating. Leeds now look ahead to a challenging match against Arsenal, carrying momentum from this gritty victory.