Beto in action for Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Tue 19 August 2025 13:48, UK
Everton lost the opening game of their new Premier League season 1-0 at Leeds United.
Everton went down 1-0 to a Lukas Nmecha penalty after James Tarkowski was judged to have handled a shot from Anton Stach.
Some felt the penalty decision was harsh, but Everton were second-best throughout the match regardless.
Below, Goodison News rounds up the winners and losers from this performance.
David Moyes being interviewed
David Moyes will be looking for an improved performance in Everon’s next game (Credit: Imago)
James O’Brien shines in unfamiliar role
James O’Brien was asked to start this match at right-back, and he was arguably Everton’s best player on the night.
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The Irishman won most of his personal battles against Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto, and he got forward on the overlap consistently.
Despite Everton’s defeat, O’Brien staked a strong claim to make the right-back slot his own this season.
Beto anonymous up front
Beto was asked to play the lone striker role at Elland Road, albeit with support from the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Carlos Alcaraz when possible.
Beto barely touched the ball in a first half where Everton registered no shots on goal at Elland Road.
The Toffees improved after the break, yet Beto was still almost completely anonymous.
David Moyes brought on Thierno Barry to partner Beto after Leeds scored, but it was too little too late.
Moyes took a gamble starting Beto over Barry and it is not one that paid off.
Beto, Everton striker
Beto barely got a sniff of the Leeds goal (Credit: Imago)
James Garner deserves credit for his performance at left-back
James Garner filled in at left-back for this match and had the unenviable task of trying to shut down lightning-fast Leeds winger Dan James.
Although Leeds attacked constantly in the first half, their Welsh winger wasn’t all that effective, and Garner played a key role in nullifying him.
The 24-year-old would much prefer to be picked in midfield, but he put in a good shift for the team.
Tim Iroegbunam looked out of his depth
Tim Iroegbunam had a match to forget at Elland Road and was substituted after 70 minutes.
During that time, he:
Completed only 14 passes
Won just half of his ground duels
Picked up a yellow card for a blatant foul
It has been argued that Iroegbunam was lucky not to pick up a second yellow card.
Based on this performance, he’ll be lucky to start Everton’s next match against Brighton next weekend.
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