By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 17:08 EDT, 18 August 2025 | Updated: 17:08 EDT, 18 August 2025
Jack Grealish was unable to inspire Everton after going on as a second-half substitute for his debut in a 1-0 loss to promoted Leeds in the Premier League on Monday.
The England forward, a poster boy of English soccer, is looking to reignite his career after leaving Manchester City on loan and had to be content with a place on the bench for Everton´s opening game.
Grealish entered in the 71st minute when the score was 0-0 at Elland Road and struggled to make an impact before Leeds was awarded a penalty when Everton captain James Tarkowski blocked a goal-bound shot with his left arm.
Lukas Nmecha, only on the field for six minutes as a substitute, stroked the spot kick past Jordan Pickford for the only goal in the 84th.
Leeds was making its return to the Premier League after a two-year absence and was the second promoted team to win in the opening round, after Sunderland.
Everton will hope for a better performance on Sunday when the team hosts Brighton for the first competitive game in its new, 53,000-seat waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which has replaced Goodison Park as Everton´s home.
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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer