Lukas Nmecha scored the penalty which left David Moyes tearing his hair out (Image: GETTY)
The Premier League have explained why Leeds United were given a controversial penalty in the closing stages of their victory over Everton. All eyes were on Elland Road on Monday night as the newly-promoted Whites opened their campaign in style by claiming all three points. Lukas Nmecha scored the winner from the penalty spot, burying his effort right in the bottom corner.
It followed a controversial decision from referee Chris Kavanagh to award the spot-kick for a handball by Everton defender James Tarkowski. Leeds midfielder Anton Stach fired a hopeful strike towards goal, which took a deflection and struck Tarkowski's arm. The latter was in the process of moving his arm behind his back in a bid to avoid contact with the ball.
Kavanagh's initial decision to award a penalty was briefly checked by VAR, but the original call was upheld. Nmecha stepped up and found the back of the net, with Leeds holding on to secure victory in their Premier League opener.
Shortly afterwards, the official Premier League Match Centre account on [X (formerly Twitter)](https://x.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1957546009745121726) posted a message to explain why the penalty was given.
It read: "The referee’s call of penalty for handball by Tarkowski was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that he leaned into the ball with his arm."
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