David Moyes looking concerned with Leeds badge inset
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Mon 18 August 2025 22:04, UK
Everton fell to a poor first-game defeat against newly-promoted Leeds United.
Leeds were evidently up for the fight against the Toffees, having turned Elland Road into a fortress for their return to the Premier League.
David Moyes‘ side couldn’t handle the pressure in the early stages of the game and failed to test Lucas Perri until the 75th minute.
Leeds created very few clear-cut chances, but were handed one when James Tarkowski was deemed to have handled the ball in the box towards the final stages of the clash.
Lukas Nmecha dispatched the penalty and earned all three points for Leeds in a 1-0 win.
David Moyes looking concerned at Everton
Moyes needs more signings (Credit: Imago)
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Moyes has not been backed enough this summer
Out of Everton’s summer additions, only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall started the clash, with Man City loanee Jack Grealish named on the bench.
Moyes was forced to shoehorn players into positions, despite the fact that they have had the entire summer to recruit, and in all honesty, they were devoid of any quality all evening.
Aside from those two, and potentially Thierno Barry, who remains an unknown entity, the Toffees have made very little progress when it comes to strengthening their squad from the previous campaign.
With just 13 days left of the transfer window, time is running out, and Moyes needs to see more quality added to his side.
For a side with the supposed ambitions of Everton, that starting 11 at Elland Road did nothing to showcase it and the result only amplified that.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with Everton shirt on
Dewsbury-Hall started for Everton vs Leeds (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
Jack Harrison has no future at Leeds
Jack Harrison failed to impress at Everton at large when on loan, contributing to just seven goals in 73 appearances on Merseyside.
The 28-year-old was introduced as a 78th-minute sub for Leeds against his former club, though the home support made their feelings clear on the winger much earlier.
Boos were heard ringing around Elland Road, as per Beren Cross via X, with the Leeds support particularly miffed at the fact that he was greeting each of Everton’s substitutes.
It would take a miracle for him to win back the support of the Whites’ faithful, leaving questions as to where his future lies after departing Everton.
Jack Harrison playing for Everton
Harrison will not be returning to Everton. (Credit: Imago)
Jack Grealish set for massive role at Everton
The Toffees’ biggest struggle against Leeds was their lack of control and creativity when in possession of the ball, and that is what Everton will be hoping Jack Grealish can change.
Grealish is a player who is constantly looking forward and creating something out of nothing, which was non-existent against the Whites.
Everton are going to need to utilise that, though it is likely to place a huge amount of responsibility on the Englishman’s shoulders.
The likes of Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye have shown their ability to be progressive in their play, and Grealish will be able to replicate that, only if they can get the ball significantly further up the pitch.
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