Leeds beat Everton in Premier League
Nmecha scores winner with second-half penalty - controversially given for handball by Tarkowski
Leeds playing first game since promotion from Championship in May
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Game week one in the new Premier League is done and dusted already. Oh, it's good to be back!
That's all from this live text but we'll be back tomorrow evening to take you through the PFA Awards.
See you then.
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Leeds start their Premier League campaign with three points and a clean sheet.
Their next five games look pretty tough...
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
It's not the start Everton and David Moyes will have wanted so let's take a look at their next five games.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium will be getting its first taste of Premier League football on Sunday.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Everton manager David Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "Leeds were better than us on the night but in the second half we might've had a chance.
"The goal is completely wrong, really harsh and it's difficult to lose to that. I've been in and spoken to the referee. They seem to think he was leaning. You're allowed to lean in football. It took a deflection and I don't know, did Tarky have to get his arm chopped off? He leaned across.
"It has not been a good weekend. Tonight that was a poor decision. VAR had a chance to get it right and fair, but I feel it was not fair. The crowd probably were the ones that were a bit intimidating but I can't see them intimidating the VAR people. It was a very good crowd for Leeds United.
"We can't do anything about it but it was a poor decision. We've lost a couple of important players but I'm not using it as any excuse and other teams will have injuries, unfortunately we've picked up a couple. If anyone was about to score [at the end] it was likely to be us."
On potential signings in the rest of the transfer window: "I'm confident we will get something."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Leeds United
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to Sky Sports about Leeds' penalty decision: "I have not watched it back - on the field it felt like it was a penalty. I was a bit worried as it was checked quite long.
"Thank god it stood. I have to watch it back to judge it properly. "
On Lukas Nmecha: "The first two or three touches of Lukas were not spot on. I was a bit worried. The first touches were not great. I was thinking about saying, 'today, perhaps is not the day to take'. He was ice-cold and calm. He is a top guy and a really good finisher."
On the Leeds United fans: "Of course, for newly promoted sides it has to become a fortress. I am quite humble and grateful that we are able to celebrate.
"It is great to see the joy and pride in their eyes. It is great to give the supporters who are so emotional and care so much about their amazing club. Grateful that you can help a little bit and give them this experience.
On more transfer window action: "In the offence would be good to have a few more options available.
"To be ready for a long Premier League season we definitely need a bit more quality up front.
"At this level, you know bringing players in who improve our squad is costly. Thank god we have ambitious owners.
"We won't do anything stupid. It is not about the sum of money - you have to spend it wisely."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton defender James Tarkowski, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "Not a penalty. As soon as the ref blew I was pretty confident it would be overturned. My question to him was 'if my arm is by my side, was it a penalty' and he said 'no'.
"I've since read that I've leaned into the ball. I can't understand it. The linesman gave it and he was 45 yards away so I don't understand how he can see what I've done with my arm from that angle.
"It's a bizarre moment and it cost us a point. I'm moving across, a lot of bodies in front of me, it takes a deflection, I see it at the last second and I'm allowed to move my body into the ball. My arm is by my side so I don't think it was a penalty.
"We knew in the first 15 minutes we would have to weather the storm, but it ended up being the full first half. In the second half we played a lot better and without creating chances we were in the game. I didn't really feel they would score a goal until the penalty. We need players through the door as we've lost a few in the summer."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Leeds United
Leeds match winner Lukas Nmecha, speaking to BBC: "Amazing. I'm really happy. It was a great first game.
On penalty: "I was mainly hoping it would be given. I was quite calm, I took my breath. I decide before the games where I'd go and yes, I put it there.
"There's always disappointment when you sit on the bench for th first game. It was a good pre-season but I'm happy to score.
"We can achieve more than what people think. we play good football and control the game. games like next week, we won't have as much control. we'll have to dig in.
"Every point counts and wherever we can get a win, we'll take it."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
For those of you who missed the action or simply want to relive it, here you go.
Enjoy!
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Leeds United
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United boss Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC: "We are happy and grateful we are allowed to present our supporters who had to suffer a lot over the years. It was a really magic night. It was special and a really good day for us.
"Top performance. We were dominant in the first first half and had 12 shots. That is outstanding for a newly promoted side. I was bit worried because we were so dominant and normally you score. It can be costly when you don't take your opportunities. Lukas Nmencha took his opportunity. It was hard fought I think is the word.
On the penalty: "I haven't seen it back on telly. During the game I got the feeling it was a penalty. There was an emotional influence by the roar of the home crowd. I was a bit worried the check was so long but if the check takes that long then surely you can't overturn it. I haven't seen it back so I can't judge it. I hope the referee was right.
On Nmecha taking the penalty: "I was bit worried because I don't like a player who is just in the game to take them but he is such a good penalty taker. I didn't want to stop him. Calm yourself down and he will do the job. He has suffered a bit in the last years but he came up with the decisive goal.
"There are games where you are struggling more an these are vital too. A good start is always crucial. The first win out of the way, the first clean sheet. We have to carry on and win many more points."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
On the penalty decision...
The referee wasn’t 100% sure - he was in communication with his assistant and he needed help.
I think the referee thought it was a penalty. He looked at his assistant for guidance.
Because of VAR, we are in that position where officials have to give the decision and then VAR gets involved.
It was like an old-fashioned decision. There was no way that was getting overturned.
Using form, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text on 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Never a penalty, Tarkowski tried to pull his arm away tight to his turning body! VAR again ruins a game. Yes, Leeds did deserve to win, but not that way.
Christopher
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Gary Neville
Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports
On the penalty decision...
James Tarkowski is the type of defender who thinks he should get in front of every single shot.
The guilt was written all over Tarkowski's face. He knows it is a penalty.
Tarkowski moved his arm towards the ball. He leans into it and he blocks it. It is a penalty, and he knows what he has done. He knows it is a penalty.
He knows that he has made a mistake.
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton boss David Moyes, speaking to BBC: "I'm really disappointed and unless you cut the boys hand off, I don't know where he goes. I don't know if the crowd plays a part in it. They got right behind their team and they played well and probably deserved the victory in fairness.
"I think it's a really poor decision. VAR had a chance to undo it. They tried to say he was leaning to the ball. Surely you're allowed to lean with your hands by your sides.
On the referees: "They were supposed to be quite fair to them but I think that's a really bad one for us. The referees haven't had a great weekend.
"Leeds came out the blocks and we expected it. We changed at half-time and we were much better in the second half and if any team was going to win it, I thought it would be us."
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Gary Neville
Former Manchester United defender on Sky Sports
Everton were really poor tonight and didn't deserve to win the game anyway.
Using form, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text on 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
If you were a coach, teaching kids, what would you tell them to do differently to what Tarkowski did? The game isn’t played in slow motion, it’s played at a speed none of us have experienced or can comprehend. Tarkowski doesn’t know exactly where the ball is going. Especially after the deflection. To punish him for that just is not football.
Rudders
Image source, ReutersFT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
On the penalty decision...
I think it is. I think he [James Tarkowski] knows what he is doing.
It is something I would do. Has he lost his bearings? It is a split second decision.
I think it is definitely a penalty.
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
FT: Leeds 1-0 Everton
Leeds United
Leeds United forward Lukas Nmecha, speaking to Sky Sports: "Amazing - really pleased. Amazing three points.
"Normally, it was Joel Piroe, but thankfully I got to take it.
"I think that was a bit of a bluff [from Jordan Pickford] to be fair. I just put it hard and low. I was pretty confident.
"I hit it quite hard, and it was hard to save. He did go pretty early to be fair.
"We had a lot of confidence from winning the league and the way we did it.
"In the final third we lacked a bit at times. I don't think we got enough shots on target, but that is something to work on.
"I am very blessed. I thank god that I am playing again. I had a lot of problems with injuries coming from Man City's academy.
"I think at home we have amazing fans. I don't think I have felt anything like this before. When we went 1-0 up, we slowed the game down. In the game, I thought we controlled a lot of the game."
FT: Leeds 0-1 Everton
Conor Coady
Wrexham defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
I don't like it. I don't like the rule - I don't know what is and isn't handball these days.
Using form, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text on 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Dear Premier League referees, Players have arms. Kind regards, All football fans
Tony, Wirral
Image source, Getty ImagesWatch the highlights as Leeds leave it late to beat Everton 1-0
At a glance
Lukas Nmecha scores from the spot after Everton captain James Tarkowski handles Anton Stach's shot
Jack Grealish plays 20 minutes as a substitute for Everton after loan move from Manchester City
Leeds United made a winning return to the Premier League as Lukas Nmecha's late penalty gave them a deserved victory against Everton at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke's side were dominant but looked like having to settle for a point until Everton captain James Tarkowski handled Anton Stach's shot six minutes from time.
Nmecha confidently dispatched the penalty to send Leeds' fans wild in what was a typically thunderous Yorkshire atmosphere.
Everton's new loan signing Jack Grealish made a 20-minute appearance as a substitute in an attempt to inject spark into a lacklustre display, with the visitors taking 53 minutes to muster a shot on target.
Leeds looked to have run out of steam in the second half, and with Everton seemingly happy to settle for one point a raucous night threatened to fizzle out - until that late drama gave the home side all three.
Lukas Nmecha celebrates after giving Leeds United the lead from the spot against Everton at Elland Road
Farke on 'special' opening day win against Everton
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke stated before kick-off that his side would stick to the attacking principles that took them back into the top flight - and was true to his word.
They pinned Everton back in a state of panic throughout the first half, but could not find the breakthrough with only one of their 12 shots on target.
Leeds' concern at half-time was that they would not be able to maintain the sheer intensity after the break, fuelled by adrenalin in a supercharged Elland Road environment.
It looked like all their endeavours would only be rewarded with a point - until Tarkowski's late handball, a penalty correctly awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) check.
Leeds survived an anxious seven minutes of stoppage time without any serious alarms for debutant goalkeeper Lucas Perri, the famous old stadium shaking when referee Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle.
It was a night that proved, if proof were needed, that Elland Road and its hostile environment will be a key factor in Leeds United's campaign to stay in the Premier League.
'You have to cut Tarkowski's arm off to avoid penalty' - Moyes
Everton manager David Moyes cut a frustrated figure throughout a difficult evening for his side, often seen with his head in his hands as they conceded possession frequently and adopted a passive approach.
It took Everton 53 minutes to have a shot, a wild effort off target from Idrissa Gueye, and it was a tough assignment to ask Grealish to breathe life into this dismal display in 20 minutes.
Moyes has expressed his concerns about the lack of signings this summer and the mediocre, undercooked fare served up by Everton at Elland Road could be used as Exhibit A to support his argument.
Everton barely mustered an attack worthy of the name and there will surely be renewed urgency to strengthen a squad which desperately needs a new right-back, a wide-right player and another defensive midfielder - just for starters.
An opening game against a newly promoted club is always hazardous, especially if that club is Leeds United at Elland Road, but Everton did not help themselves with such a conservative strategy.
Moyes was complaining to referee Kavanagh after the final whistle - but he can have no complaints about Everton leaving Elland Road empty-handed.
Leeds face a testing trip to face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, 23 August (17:30 BST) before a short trip to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup second round on Tuesday, 26 August.
Everton start a new era with their first game Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton on Sunday, 24 August (14:00), before a second-round tie at home to League One Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, 27 August.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| |
| 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
|
Manager:Daniel Farke
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:David Moyes
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Daniel Farke
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:David Moyes
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Everton |
2' | Everton |
3' | Leeds United |
4' | Everton |
5' | Everton |
6' | Everton |
7' | Leeds United |
8' | Leeds United |
9' | Leeds United |
10' | Leeds United |
11' | Leeds United |
12' | Leeds United |
13' | Leeds United |
14' | Leeds United |
15' | Leeds United |
16' | Leeds United |
17' | Leeds United |
18' | Leeds United |
19' | Leeds United |
20' | Leeds United |
21' | Leeds United |
22' | Leeds United |
23' | Leeds United |
24' | Leeds United |
25' | Leeds United |
26' | Leeds United |
27' | Leeds United |
28' | Leeds United |
29' | Leeds United |
30' | Everton |
31' | Everton |
32' | Leeds United |
33' | Leeds United |
34' | Leeds United |
35' | Leeds United |
36' | Leeds United |
37' | Leeds United |
38' | Leeds United |
39' | Leeds United |
40' | Leeds United |
41' | Leeds United |
42' | Everton |
43' | Everton |
44' | Leeds United |
45' | Leeds United |
Half time 45'+1 | Leeds United |
46' | Leeds United |
47' | Leeds United |
48' | Everton |
49' | Everton |
50' | Everton |
51' | Everton |
52' | Everton |
53' | Everton |
54' | Everton |
55' | Leeds United |
56' | Everton |
57' | Leeds United |
58' | Leeds United |
59' | Leeds United |
60' | Leeds United |
61' | Leeds United |
62' | Leeds United |
63' | Leeds United |
64' | Leeds United |
65' | Everton |
66' | Everton |
67' | Everton |
68' | Everton |
69' | Leeds United |
70' | Leeds United |
71' | Leeds United |
72' | Leeds United |
73' | Leeds United |
74' | Leeds United |
75' | Leeds United |
76' | Leeds United |
77' | Everton |
78' | Everton |
79' | Everton |
80' | Leeds United |
81' | Everton |
82' | Everton |
83' | Leeds United |
84' | Leeds UnitedPenalty |
85' | Leeds United |
86' | Everton |
87' | Everton |
88' | Everton |
89' | Everton |
90' | Everton |
90'+1 | Leeds United |
90'+2 | Leeds United |
90'+3 | Leeds United |
90'+4 | Leeds United |
90'+5 | Leeds United |
90'+6 | Leeds United |
90'+7 | Leeds United |
Full time 90'+8 | Leeds United |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Leeds United have only won one of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Everton (D4 L6), and are winless in each of the most recent five (D2 L3).
Everton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League away games against Leeds United (W2 D3), which is their joint-longest active run away to any of the other 19 current top-flight teams (also five v Brighton and Nottingham Forest).
This is the first time Leeds are starting a league campaign with a game on a Monday in their history. Meanwhile, it’s the first time Everton are starting with a Monday game since 2012-13, beating eventual champions Manchester United 1-0 under David Moyes.
Leeds United’s last eight opening league games have produced a total of 39 goals (almost 5 per game), with the Whites scoring 20 and conceding 19.
Everton have lost their opening league match in each of the last three seasons, having been unbeaten on MD1 in the 10 previous campaigns (W4 D6).
Leeds have lost just one of their last 28 league games (W19 D8), winning the last six in a row. However, they failed to win any of their last nine as a Premier League side (D2 L7), conceding 29 goals in that run.
Everton won their final three league games of 2024-25. They last won four in a row in December 2023 under Sean Dyche, while they last did so under David Moyes in March 2008.
The only previous meeting between Leeds boss Daniel Farke and Everton’s David Moyes came in the 2019-20 Premier League season – Moyes’ West Ham won 4-0 away to Farke’s Norwich that day, which remains the Scotsman’s joint-biggest margin of victory in a top-flight away game.
This will be Daniel Farke’s 50th Premier League match, and first in charge of current club Leeds. He’s won just six of his 49 so far, and even with a victory against Everton would have the lowest win rate of any manager to oversee 50+ games in the competition (currently 12.2%).
Everton boss David Moyes has won seven of his 10 Premier League games against Leeds (D2 L1). Of sides he’s faced at least 10 times, only against Sunderland (71%) does he have a higher win rate than against the Whites (70%).
