Leeds United marked their long-awaited return to the Premier League with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road, as Lukas Nmecha coolly slotted home a contentious late penalty to seal all three points.
A Night of High Drama in Yorkshire
The atmosphere inside Elland Road was electric as the newly promoted hosts made their top-flight comeback. Daniel Farke’s side, buoyed by last season’s Championship triumph, looked determined to make an early statement.
The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after James Tarkowski was judged to have handled inside the box. Despite furious protests from Everton’s players and manager David Moyes, VAR upheld the decision. Nmecha, making his competitive debut for Leeds, showed remarkable composure to roll the ball past Jordan Pickford and spark wild celebrations.
Mixed Reactions to the Penalty Call
The decision instantly divided opinion. Tarkowski, who was at the center of the incident, was baffled:
“Not a penalty. My arm was by my side — there was nothing unnatural about it. I can’t understand it really,” he told Sky Sports.
Moyes, equally frustrated, felt his side had been hard done by:
“The goal is completely wrong and really harsh. VAR had a chance to get it right and fair, but it wasn’t right or fair.”
The Premier League later defended the call, explaining that Tarkowski was deemed to have leaned into the ball with his arm, thereby justifying the referee’s decision.
Leeds Earn Their Victory
Despite the controversy, few could deny Leeds’ overall superiority. The Whites pressed with relentless energy, feeding off the home crowd’s intensity. Midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was named man of the match, dictated play until being withdrawn late with cramp.
Farke was understandably jubilant afterwards:
“I haven’t watched it back but on field it felt like a penalty. I was worried during the check, but thank God it stood. For Lukas, it’s a great moment after some difficult years with injuries.”
Nmecha himself revealed he had been confident from the spot:
“Normally Joel Piroe is on penalties, but he was off. I decided before the game which way I’d go. I just tried to hit it hard and low — and thankfully it worked.”
Everton Left Searching for Answers
For Everton, the defeat was a frustrating start to their campaign, with their lack of cutting edge and depth on full display. Correspondent Patrick Boyland summed it up bluntly:
“Still don’t think it was a pen, but Leeds absolutely deserve their win. They pressed the life out of Everton and played with such energy and purpose. Moyes’ side dismal.”
The Toffees will hope for a swift response when they host Brighton at their new home stadium on Sunday, a match that already feels pivotal to their early-season momentum.
What’s Next
Leeds’ victory places them seventh after the opening weekend — a confidence-boosting platform ahead of their daunting trip to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
For Farke’s men, the bigger picture is about more than just three points; it’s proof that their high-intensity, fearless style can work in the Premier League. For Everton, the controversy surrounding the penalty will sting, but the deeper concern is their underwhelming display across 90 minutes.
What is beyond doubt is that Elland Road is back on the Premier League map — and Leeds United have returned with a bang.