In a fiery encounter at Elland Road, it’s an unfortunate start for David Moyes, who might feel his Everton side deserved more.
Kicking off the season with a defeat was not in the Toffees’ plans, but it wasn’t an easy start for Moyes’ side.
Leeds came with a vibrant atmosphere at Elland Road, and although Everton grew in the second half, it wasn’t enough.
But the main talking point of the game was a penalty decision which went against the Toffees, as Iliman Ndiaye was also fouled in the build-up.
It seems like a debated decision made by Chris Kavanagh, but Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have both agreed on something about James Tarkowski.
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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both agree penalty against Everton was correct
The Premier League returning for Everton wouldn’t have been right without some controversy.
But this was one that Carragher and Neville both thought was the correct decision, as Evertonians might not agree.
“I think it is (a penalty). I think he knows what he’s doing, James Tarkowski,” Carragher said.
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“Maybe it’s just reflexes, I don’t know,” he added.
Neville agreed, saying: “I think it’s definitely a penalty. Tarkowski is the type of defender who gets in front of every shot, and he maybe could have composed himself.
“The guilt written all over his face, he knows it’s a penalty.”
With the decision going against Moyes, it’s quite clear he won’t agree with the pundits, and a former Blues player is certainly not in favour of the decision made.
Former Everton star Conor Coady doesn’t like the James Tarkowski decision in Leeds United vs Everton
This will be a decision talked about for weeks by the looks of things, as Jack Grealish’s promising debut has been severely overshadowed.
Even though the well-renowned pundits agree with Kavanagh’s controversial call, former Everton defender Conor Coady has questioned the choice made.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Coady said: “I don’t like it. I don’t like the rule – I don’t know what is and isn’t handball these days.”
Before the game, Kavanagh was controversially appointed due to his past errors made against Everton, and once again, a new incident has brought bafflement.
Tarkowski found the decision ‘bizarre’ and it’s certainly not the start he and the rest of the squad wanted.
"The linesman gave it apparently. He was 45 yards away and I don't understand how can he see what I've done with my arm from the angle"
James Tarkowski says it was a 'bizarre' decision to award a penalty against him 🧐 pic.twitter.com/0p7NIzxTbN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 18, 2025
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Nevertheless, it’s the cards Moyes has been dealt for their opener, and now Brighton awaits next Sunday, with hopefully no controversy…