An electric Elland Road erupted on Monday night as debutant Lukas Nmecha struck a late penalty to seal Leeds United’s winning return to the Premier League against Everton.
Leeds United, buoyed by the explosive Elland Road crowd, pinned Everton inside their own half for virtually the entire first 45 minutes, with the hosts taking 12 shots while preventing the Toffees from having any of their own, leaving the hosts extremely unfortunate to still be level at the break.
The second half was far more even as Everton grew into the match, but it was Leeds United who managed to break the deadlock as James Tarkowski was controversially penalised for a handball inside the area, allowing debutant Nmecha to convert from the spot in the 84th minute and secure all three points for the hosts.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Everyone expected tonight's encounter to be a difficult opening matchday fixture for Everton, with Elland Road a formidable ground to visit, and that was certainly the case as Leeds United dominated the entirety of the first half and, despite the second half becoming much more even, the hosts were able to take all three points.
There are plenty of worrying signs for David Moyes, with his Everton side unable to impose themselves at all in the first half, and while the Toffees improved in the second 45 minutes, there was little attacking creativity or threat from the visitors.
Everton also looked vulnerable in defence, particularly in the first half, with runs into the spaces between their full-backs and central defenders causing major problems - enforcing the club's need for new full-backs before the transfer deadline.
Meanwhile, the hosts will be ecstatic with their victory, as Daniel Farke's side were undeniably the better team and were fully deserving of their win - even if the winning goal did come from a controversial penalty.
Leeds looked strong defensively and were also a threat in attack, though a lack of quality in the final moment did mean the hosts failed to score from open-play, having to rely on the penalty to break the deadlock.
LEEDS UNITED VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
Lukas Nmecha goal vs. Everton (84th min, Leeds United 1-0 Everton)
Lukas Nmecha on his Leeds debut ? pic.twitter.com/fxacPkL1OJ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2025
What a way to introduce yourself - Nmecha puts Leeds ahead on his debut!
Anton Stach fires a shot from outside the box and Tarkowski manages to block, but the referee takes his time before pointing to the spot, and the decision is confirmed by VAR.
The debutant Nmecha steps up and takes responsibility, and the striker fires his penalty low and into the bottom right corner to give Leeds a late lead.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTON STACH
One of numerous new signings in the starting XI for the hosts, Stach impressed throughout the entire 90 minutes for Leeds United.
The German midfielder was a force at both ends of the pitch, registering four key passes, missing one big chance and winning the penalty, while also making five clearances, blocking one shot and recording three tackles and interceptions.
His German compatriot Nmecha also deserves a mention, as the striker was on the pitch for just six minutes before stepping up to score a pressure penalty and give Leeds the victory on his debut.
LEEDS UNITED VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Leeds United 54%-46% Everton
Shots: Leeds United 21-7 Everton
Shots on target: Leeds United 3-1 Everton
Corners: Leeds United 7-2 Everton
Fouls: Leeds United 6-8 Everton
WHAT NEXT?
Leeds United, boosted by their winning return to the Premier League, will now face the daunting task of travelling to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday.
As for Everton, the Toffees will be looking to bounce back when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the first competitive match at their new home ground.
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