Tim Iroegbunam in Everton action, with David Moyes in circle frame inset
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Mon 18 August 2025 22:20, UK
Everton started their season with a poor performance and zero points after losing 1-0 to Leeds.
Lukas Nmecha fired in a penalty after James Tarkowski was judged to have blocked a Leeds shot with his arm.
Everton had no shots on goal during the first half as Leeds turned up the pressure from the very first minute.
It got slightly better in the second half, but Everton remained second-best and had no reply once the penalty was scored.
Everton manager David Moyes
David Moyes won’t be thrilled with his side’s performance or the result (Credit: Imago)
Jake O’Brien the star man for Everton
Jake O’Brien was asked to play right-back by David Moyes in this game.
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The Irishman is more of a centre-half, but he adapted incredibly well to win most of his individual battles with Wilfried Gnonto.
Gnonto was substituted on 66 minutes, but O’Brien kept his replacement Brenden Aaronson quiet as well.
O’Brien even managed to get to the byline to put in some dangerous crosses on several occasions.
It will be interesting to see if he makes that position his own ahead of Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.
Jake O'Brien
Jake O’Brien was the star man for Everton (Credit: Imago)
Tim Iroegbunam struggles in fast-paced game
Tim Iroegbunam had a difficult first season at Everton after signing from Aston Villa. Neither Sean Dyche nor David Moyes seemed to fancy him, and he only made 18 league appearances.
There have been rumours that Iroegbunam will leave Merseyside on a season-long loan, but he was given a start here.
Sadly, he was pretty terrible here. He was often chasing shadows when Everton were without the ball, and he gave it away frequently too.
He was replaced by new Everton loan signing Jack Grealish on 70 minutes. Now that the Manchester City star has arrived on loan, perhaps a loan spell away from Everton would suit everyone.
His anonymous performance could convince Moyes to splash some cash on Tyler Dibling as well.
Everton ratings vs Leeds
Pickford – 7
O’Brien – 7
Keane – 7
Tarkowski – 5
Garner – 6
Alcaraz – 5
Iroegbunam – 4
Dewsbury-Hall – 6
N’Diaye – 5
Beto – 4
Substitutes:
Grealish (on for Iroegbanum 70′) – 6
Barry (on for Alcaraz 85′) – 5
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