Leeds Clinch Historic Victory Over Everton

Key Takeaways:

• Leeds prevailed 1-0 over Everton in the last game of Premier League opening round
• Lukas Nmecha scored the decisive goal with an 84th-minute penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball
• Jack Grealish debuted for Everton

Match Analysis: Leeds Assert Early Control

Leeds United began their return to the Premier League in commanding fashion, securing a 1–0 home victory over Everton at Elland Road. The only goal of the tightly contested match came in the 84th minute, when Lukas Nmecha calmly converted a penalty following a contentious handball decision against Everton’s James Tarkowski.

The hosts started brightly, dictating tempo and creating several early chances. Joel Piroe struck directly at Jordan Pickford inside five minutes, followed by blocked efforts from both Piroe and Ethan Ampadu. Leeds remained on the front foot throughout the first half, with Pascal Struijk’s header in the 37th minute and a close-range effort from Wilfried Gnonto just before the break showing their attacking intent.

🔥 Scoring on your debut!
😍 In front of that crowd! pic.twitter.com/2sVwVgn3lM

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 18, 2025

Second-Half Shifts and Decisive Moments

After the interval, Everton grew into the match and matched Leeds in intensity. Wilfried Gnonto nearly broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, but his low drive missed the target by inches. In the 71st minute Everton new signing Jack Grealish entered the pitch as a substitute. Leeds goalkeeper Lukasz Peri was called into action in the 76th minute, producing a fine save to deny Carlos Alcaraz.

The critical moment arrived seven minutes later, when Tarkowski appeared to handle the ball inside the area. Though his arm seemed to be in a natural position, a lengthy VAR review resulted in referee intervention and the awarding of a penalty to Leeds. Substitute Lukas Nmecha stepped up and delivered emphatically, firing Leeds into the lead with six minutes of regular time left to play.

Leeds managed the closing stages with maturity, controlling possession and crafting further opportunities. Struijk came close to adding a second during added time, underscoring the club’s dominance on their Premier League return.

The atmosphere at Elland Road before kick-off was solemn, as a minute’s silence was held in all Premier League grounds in memory of the tragic passing involving Diogo Jota.

Record-Breaking Victory and Unbeaten Run

Leeds’ performance not only signalled a strong start to their Premier League campaign, but also ended a long-standing winless streak against Everton. This was their first league victory over the Toffees since 2001, and their first in any competition since a League Cup (then Carling Cup) triumph in 2012.

The win also extended the club’s momentum from last season. Leeds have now won seven consecutive official matches and are unbeaten in their last 11 outings under the guidance of manager Daniel Farke. Their next challenge will come on Saturday, when they travel to face last season’s Premier League runners-up, Arsenal.

Match Statistics