David Moyes looking aghast with Everton badge inset
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Tue 19 August 2025 6:40, UK
Everton started their season with a 1-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road.
Leeds were awarded a penalty after 84 minutes after James Tarkowski was judged to have blocked a shot from Anton Stach with his arm.
Lukas Nmecha slotted the penalty home, and the Toffees couldn’t find a reply, even with new loan signing Jack Grealish substituted on.
Everton were second-best throughout the match, but it looked like they were going to sneak away from Elland Road with an unlikely point.
However, that late goal will ensure that more questions are asked of David Moyes and his side after this dire performance.
David Moyes being interviewed
David Moyes’ team got exactly what they deserved after a non-threatening performance (Credit: Imago)
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Everton record unwanted first after toothless first half
Leeds took the game to Everton from the first whistle, and had 12 attempts on goal in the first half.
Meanwhile, the Toffees had no shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes. They simply couldn’t get into the game.
According to Aaron Barton of Opta, this was the first time on record (since 2006-07) that Everton had failed to have a shot in the first half of a match against a newly-promoted team in the Premier League era.
Everton had seven shots in the second half, although they could only manage one on target. Leeds has 21 attempts on goal and 54 per cent of possession.
Serious questions need to be asked of David Moyes and Everton
Everton only lost three games of their last 15 games under David Moyes before the defeat at Elland Road, but it’s the manner of the loss that will worry some fans.
Everton posed absolutely no threat to the goal in the first half, and barely fashioned any meaningful chances in the second half.
Carlos Alcaraz drew a smart save out of Lucas Perri down low to his left halfway through the second half, but that was about it.
Leeds Everton
Goals 1 0
Shots on goal 21 7
Possession 54 46
Leeds vs Everton key statistics
Fans should demand answers for a performance like that in any Premier League, but against a newly-promoted team, they should expect much better. Even if it was only a controversial penalty decision that separated the sides.
Leeds spent a lot in the transfer window, but Everton spent even more. Supporters may now be hoping that even more players are drafted in this week after such an abject performance.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts