A late penalty from new signing Lukas Nmecha earned promoted Leeds United a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton of their first match again within the Premier League on Monday (August 18, 2025) evening.
Leeds dominated the primary half in entrance of a raucous Elland Road crowd, however wasted a bunch of possibilities to break the impasse. Everton, alternatively, didn’t muster a single shot, on or astray, within the opening interval.
The guests introduced on shut season arrival Jack Grealish as they improved after the break, however James Tarkowski’s handball gave the hosts the chance to snatch victory six minutes from time.
Nmecha, a free switch forward of the brand new marketing campaign, stepped off the bench to emphatically convert from the spot, making certain Leeds, again within the prime flight after a two-year absence, received their season off to the right start.
“On field, it felt like a penalty in the moment, perhaps it was also a bit emotional with the roar of the stadium,” Leeds boss Daniel Farke stated.
“Lukas’ first two or three touches were not spot on — I was a bit worried because normally he’s an outstanding penalty taker.
“I used to be overthinking if I ought to inform him at present it is maybe not the day to take a penalty. Thank God I did not step in. He was ice chilly and calm.”
For the past two seasons the three teams that have come up from the Championship have gone straight back down, but Monday’s performance made Leeds look like a team that could buck the trend.
Joel Piroe brought a fine early save out of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the Dutch striker then twice going close to an opener in the first half as the away side toiled.
It took until eight minutes into the second half for the visitors to manage a shot at goal, Idrissa Gueye hammering an effort well over the top.
While Everton seemed extra of a risk after the arrival of 100 million pound ahead Grealish, who’s on mortgage from Manchester City, they nonetheless lacked a leading edge.
Leeds received the aim their efforts warranted, even when Everton felt aggrieved over the penalty choice.
“It’s not a penalty,” Everton coach David Moyes said. “We did not play properly sufficient on the evening, however the large frustration is the referees have truly had a foul opening weekend. I simply do not know what the principles are supposed to be.”
Following Sunderland’s win on Saturday, Leeds’ success means that for the third time in Premier League history two promoted sides have won in the opening round of fixtures.
