Ethan Ampadu barks orders at his teammates at Elland Road with the Leeds player pictured next to an Everton badge in a circular inset.
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Mon 18 August 2025 22:17, UK
Leeds United opened their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win against Everton at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side continued to look solid as they did in many of their pre-season outings, but ultimately lacked that cutting edge up top until the dying minutes.
Leeds were by far and away the better side in the first half, controlling the bulk of possession and limiting the visitors to almost nothing of significance when it comes to troubling the impressive Lucas Perri in between the sticks.
For all of United’s dominance in the first half, they never created any clear-cut chances despite the best efforts of Willy Gnonto, who was busy in the final third but could not find the breakthrough.
Everton grew into the game in the second half, but as James Tarkowski blocked a striker from Anton Stach with his arm, Leeds were awarded a penalty in which substitute Lukas Nmecha converted on his debut in the 84th minute.
Daniel Farke celebrates a Leeds win whilst at Elland Road.
Farke will be buzzing after guiding Leeds to a 1-0 win (Credit: Imago)
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Ethan Ampadu is Premier League ready
When Leeds won promotion, Ampadu was one of the players that the Elland Road faithful believed was ready to make the step-up to the top flight.
The Welsh midfielder was at his very best against Everton, winning the ball back and dictating the play.
Ampadu stats vs Everton:
Four ground duels won
Two aerial duels won
50 accurate passes
82 per cent pass accuracy
72 touches
The 24-year-old showcased the same composure and leadership that have made him one of the first names on the team sheet since he arrived in West Yorkshire in 2023.
Anton Stach at Leeds United looking serious
Stach was immense alongside Ampadu in the Whites’ engine room (Credit: Imago)
Joel Piroe anonymous up front
Piroe struggled to lead the line against a grizzled veteran of the top flight like Tarkowski.
The Dutchman snatched at a chance on his right foot in the first half that would’ve proved to be proven is Nmecha had not converted from the spot late on.
His lack of hold play was apparent as he won just one of his five aerial duels, as he struggled to be the outlet that United were crying out for.
Piroe only managed to have one shot on target in a game that Leeds had more success in than they will in the majority of their top-flight games, more likely than not.
With Paraag Marathe in attendance, it was another reminder that Leeds must recruit another striker before the window closes.
How Leeds players rated against Everton
Lucas Perri – 6
Jayden Bogle – 7
Joe Rodon – 8
Pascal Struijk – 8
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 7
Ethan Ampadu – 8
Anton Stach – 7
Ao Tanaka – 7
Dan James – 5
Willy Gnonto – 6
Joel Piroe – 4
Substitutes:
Brenden Aaronson – 5
Ilia Gruev – 5
Lukas Nmecha – 8
Jack Harrison – 5
Sean Longstaff – 5
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