David Moyes looks angry, while on the right Daniel Farke looks on
(Credit: Imago)
Daniel Lewis
Mon 18 August 2025 23:05, UK
Leeds United beat Everton 1-0 on their return to Premier League action thanks to a contentiously awarded late penalty.
Lukas Nmecha scored the only goal at Elland Road in the 84th minute from a penalty awarded as a result of James Tarkowski’s handball.
Everton’s players were furious at the awarding of the spot-kick, but the Leeds players and fans of course took the opposite view.
The Premier League released a statement during the game to explain the decision, which was allowed to stand following a VAR check.
And even former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was initially undecided on what he saw at Elland Road.
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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.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 18, 2025
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This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Leeds penalty should not have been awarded vs Everton – Hackett
Tarkowski was adjudged to have leaned into an Anton Stach shot in front of goal, although the Everton defender’s defence was that his arm was in a natural position.
Asked for his views on the incident, former FIFA official Hackett exclusively told MOT Leeds News on first viewing that he felt it was a spot-kick.
Shots: Leeds 21-7 Everton
Shots on target: Leeds 3-1 Everton
Possession: Leeds 55% – 45% Everton
Passes: Leeds 480-413
However, after being afforded the opportunity to check replays, Hackett said: “I do not think this is a penalty kick.
“The arm is clearly not extended away from the body and the player has in fact attempted to put it behind his back. Therefore, it is ball to the arm and not deliberate. What can the player do?”
Read more: Leeds make under-the-radar decision on Jack Harrison
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Farke has his first Premier League win as Leeds boss (Credit: Imago)
Leeds debutant does something not seen since Raphinha days
Stach not only played a crucial role in the winner with that shot leading up to the penalty, but he was a menace throughout.
Indeed, the debutant became the first Leeds player to have as many as four shots and create four chances in a Premier League match since Raphinha (four shots and six chances against Wolves in February 2021).
It was a superb debut display from highly rated Stach, with Leeds good value for their victory on the night at a very loud Elland Road.
While the penalty decision may have been contentious in the view of some, you often earn your luck in this sport.
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