Leeds United returned to the Premier League with a victory as Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty secured all three points against Everton at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s team had been on top for most of the contest but were in danger of ending with only a draw until James Tarkowski blocked Anton Stach’s attempt with his arm six minutes before the end.
Nmecha converted calmly from the spot to ignite celebrations in a typically intense atmosphere.
Everton introduced new loan arrival Jack Grealish for the last 20 minutes to try and lift a flat performance, but the visitors managed only one effort on target, which came after the hour mark.
The home side seemed to fade in the second half, while Everton appeared content with a draw, until the decisive moment turned the match in Leeds’ favor.
Vibrant Leeds rewarded late
Farke had promised that his side would continue with the attacking style that earned promotion, and they pressed Everton relentlessly in the opening period.
Despite 12 attempts before the interval, only one required Jordan Pickford’s intervention, leaving Leeds without a breakthrough.
Concerns grew that the energy levels might drop after halftime, and so it proved as their tempo slowed. Still, the late VAR-confirmed penalty ensured their efforts did not go unrewarded.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, making his debut, handled seven minutes of stoppage time without major danger before the final whistle confirmed a triumphant return.
Elland Road once again showed its reputation as a difficult venue, with the noise and intensity expected to be central to Leeds’ survival hopes.
Everton struggles expose gaps
David Moyes endured a frustrating night as his side looked second-best throughout. His reaction on the sidelines reflected a display in which possession was repeatedly lost and attacking play was limited.
Idrissa Gueye produced Everton’s first attempt after 53 minutes, but it was off target. Grealish’s introduction did little to change the pattern of the game.
Moyes has voiced concern about the lack of summer additions, and this performance will only reinforce the need for reinforcements in several areas, including defense and midfield.
The conservative approach proved costly, and while Moyes argued with the officials at full-time, Everton’s defeat was of their own making.
What comes next
Leeds now travel to Arsenal on Saturday, 23 August, followed by a Carabao Cup second-round tie away at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, 26 August.
Everton’s next outing is against Brighton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, 24 August, before hosting Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup three days later.
