A late penalty from new signing Lukas Nmecha earned promoted Leeds United a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in their first match back in the Premier League on Monday night.
Leeds dominated the first half in front of a raucous Elland Road crowd but squandered numerous chances to break the deadlock. Everton, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on or off target in the opening period.
The visitors improved after the break with the introduction of close-season arrival Jack Grealish, but James Tarkowski’s handball handed Leeds the opportunity to seal victory six minutes from time.
Nmecha, a free transfer ahead of the new campaign, came off the bench to emphatically convert from the spot, ensuring Leeds—back in the top flight after a two-year absence got their season off to the perfect start.
“On the 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 said.
“Lukas’ first two or three touches were not spot on I was a bit worried, because normally he’s an outstanding penalty taker. I even considered telling him today might not be the day, but thank God I didn’t step in. He was ice cold and calm.”
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For the past two seasons, all three teams promoted from the Championship have been relegated immediately, but Monday’s performance suggested Leeds could break the trend.
Joel Piroe forced an early save from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and twice went close to an opener in the first half as the visitors struggled. Idrissa Gueye finally registered Everton’s first effort eight minutes into the second half, blasting high over the bar.
Although Everton looked more dangerous after the arrival of £100 million forward Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, they still lacked a cutting edge.
Leeds’ breakthrough reflected their overall dominance, though Everton were left aggrieved by the penalty decision.
“It’s not a penalty,” Everton coach David Moyes said. “We didn’t play well enough on the night, but the big frustration is the referees have actually had a bad opening weekend. I just don’t know what the rules are supposed to be.”
Following Sunderland’s win on Saturday, Leeds’ success means that for only the third time in Premier League history, two promoted sides have won on the opening weekend of fixtures.
