Jamie Carragher with Everton 'exclusive' banner inset.
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Mon 18 August 2025 22:35, UK
Everton endured a tough first game of the season as they were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United.
David Moyes’ side faced a tough trip to begin their campaign, and after a frustrating transfer window, it was a bizarre starting eleven which appeared at Elland Road.
Everton struggled in the first half as Leeds dominated, and the Toffees engaged in a physical battle in the middle of the park, to no avail.
The game was the pick for Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, and was ultimately decided by a contentious Lukas Nmecha penalty awarded for a harsh handball against James Tarkowski.
Prior to that, pundit Jamie Carragher believes Everton benefited from a poor refereeing decision in the first half, albeit not one that had a massive say on the match in comparison to the penalty call.
Everton's Tim Iroegbunam in pre-season
Iroegbunam started against Leeds (Credit: Imago)
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This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA and PGMOL referee Keith Hackett.
Tim Iroegbunam escapes yellow card vs Leeds
Tim Iroegbunam started in midfield alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye and new Everton signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and faced a tough test against Leeds.
The 22-year-old had a quiet performance as he struggled to impose himself on the ball, and one poor moment saw him give a foul away for a shirt pull on Ao Tanaka.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher stated that Iroegbunam was lucky not to receive a yellow card for this challenge.
Everton failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Iroegbunam completed just 14 passes in 71 minutes.
The midfielder won three of six attempted ground duels.
“The Everton midfielder should probably have been booked,” Carragher stated.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, former PGMOL referee Keith Hackett backed up this statement, and claimed that Iroegbunam should have received a yellow card.
“This is a clear yellow card offence. The player is holding onto his opponent’s shirt and preventing an attack. Rather slack officiating,” Hackette stated.
Jamie Carragher
Carragher claimed Iroegbunam was lucky not to be booked.
Iroegbunam lucky to not be sent off
It was a tough and tight game for Everton against Leeds, and Iroegbunam could have made things very difficult for them.
The 22-year-old was eventually booked for a heavy tackle in the second half, and he can consider himself lucky, as this would have been a red if he had rightfully received a yellow card in the first period.
Iroegbunam was eventually substituted for new signing Jack Grealish, and he escaped further punishment for what ended up being two yellow card offences.
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