Jeff Stelling talking on talkSPORT in a circular frame inset, next to Daniel Farke looking confused
(Credit: talkSPORT YouTube channel/Imago)
Niall Togher
Thu 21 August 2025 8:41, UK
Leeds United’s victory against Everton has left some onlookers concerned despite the positive result.
Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty was enough to secure the three points for Daniel Farke’s side, who picked up a valuable three points at Elland Road.
Leeds were, without a doubt, the better team for most of the game and almost always looked like the more likely side to take the lead.
The manner of Nmecha’s winner against Everton may have been controversial, but the three points were fully deserved.
Despite this, Jeff Stelling was not fully convinced by what he saw from Leeds on their Premier League return.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving his hand
Farke’s side began their Premier League campaign with a massive win (Credit: Imago)
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The 49ers have already brought two new strikers to West Yorkshire this summer in Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin has been handed the number nine shirt at Leeds
This would suggest he has not just been brought in as a back-up option and is expected to be a regular starter under Farke
This is an extremely risky move given Calvert-Lewin’s injury record and poor form over recent seasons
These two options, as well as Joel Piroe, would suggest that Leeds will not look to bring in another striker before the end of the window, considering that Farke only starts games with one up top.
Despite already having three players to lead the line, it seems as though Stelling feels they may need a fourth.
Leeds recorded an xG of 2.13 against David Moyes’ side
United had 21 shots, with only three of those being on target
Speaking on talkSPORT on 20 August, Stelling said: “My predictions before the first game was that Sunderland and Leeds would stay up.
“But Leeds need to find someone to put the ball in the back of the net. I couldn’t see where goals were coming from [against Everton].”
Noah Okafor arrival will massively help Leeds
Whilst the likes of Willy Gnonto were lively against Everton, Leeds need to show more quality in the final third and score while they are in the ascendancy in games.
For the bulk of Leeds’ games this season, like the upcoming away trip against Arsenal, they will be lucky to have even a spell of ten minutes when they are on top, never mind the 70 minutes or so they were in control against Everton.
During this time, Leeds must maximise their opportunities and the fact that their attack was that blunt shows an obvious need for new recruits to be brought in to bolster Farke’s forward line.
The Elland Road faithful will hope that Noah Okafor could help, with the winger on the verge of joining the club.
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