Leeds United’s Premier League return was wrapped in drama on Monday (August 18) night as a late, disputed penalty secured a 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road.
Banners asking "Premier League, did you miss us?" flew as an exuberant home crowd ensured their voices rang out over the commentators.
The match remained goalless until the 84th minute, when defender James Tarkowski was penalised for handball in the box.
VAR upheld the decision despite replays showing his arm seemingly tucked by his side.
With nerves and pressure rising, debutant Lukas Nmecha stepped up and calmly dispatched the penalty, sending the home crowd into raptures.
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A dominant performance from Leeds
Leeds dominated the early stages with high pressing and control.
Leeds' forwards tested Everton’s Jordan Pickford early on, while Wilfried Gnonto had a low shot well blocked.
But the Whites couldn't convert their possession in the first half into goals and struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half.
Everton, meanwhile, struggled to create clear-cut openings - even with Jack Grealish’s second-half introduction providing structure and momentum.
Everton’s response was swift and sharp to the controversial penalty.
Tarkowski labelled the call “bizarre”, while manager David Moyes condemned the officiating and VAR’s support of the decision:
“If that’s handball, then you’re asking players to run without arms,” he fumed.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke defended the outcome, asserting the decision aligned with the rules and praising Nmecha’s nerve under pressure:
“The hand was extended in the area, and Lukas showed real composure taking it.”
Pundits react
Commentator and former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford acknowledged the call was technically correct but admitted it felt harsh.
He said: “By the letter of the law, it’s justifiable - but it feels cruel in a footballing sense.”
Conversely, Micah Richards urged clarity, adding:
“If that’s a penalty, VAR isn’t unifying the game - it’s muddying it. Imagine seeing that every match.”
What it means for both teams
For Leeds, the win provides a fighting spirit and a fitting return to the top flight in front of a packed Elland Road.
The club faces a challenging away trip to London as they meet Arsenal on Saturday, August 23.
For Everton, it's back to the drawing board - not just due to the result, but their struggle to convert pressure into goals.
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