Leeds dominate Everton but require controversial penalty to spoil Jack Grealish debut

Lukas Nmecha’s penalty ensured Leeds earned three points in their first match back in the Premier League against Everton as they put in an impressive performance at Elland Road

Leeds United got their Premier League campaign off to winning ways at Everton, after showing they are ready to fight to earn survival. The home side were forced to rely on a penalty from debutant Lukas Nmecha, but were worthy of three points for their efforts across the pitch.

Anyone of an Everton persuasion will be sure to point out the spotkick was awarded in contentious circumstances however. David Moyes remonstrated with the officials at full-time but by then it was too late to prevent jubilation in the stands to the sound of ‘I Predict a Riot’.

Anton Stach’s effort at goal saw James Tarkowski block it with an arm, albeit one he attempted to keep behind his back, and Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot before VAR diligently assessed his decision. To the delight of Leeds rowdy support, it was not overturned and Nmecha provided the perfect finish from the spot.

And as Leeds returned to the top-flight, it was everything everyone expected at Elland Road. A raucous atmosphere buoying an enthusiastic and effective press from the home side and as a result, Everton struggled to get any kind of foothold in the game.

The early impression following Sunderland’s opening day win, was that the promoted team’s this season will not be willing to let go of Premier League status without a fight and Leeds’ efforts started in the same manner. “We know what we are capable of achieving and we have confidence in that,” said Ethan Ampadu ahead of the game.

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“No-one is going to roll over and accept what has happened in the past couple of years of teams going up and going back down. We are all going to fight to change that. We have worked so hard in the pre-season to get our baseline and our standard. Every day we are improving to do more and be better.”

Even readying himself to take a throw-in, the former Chelsea youngster could not help a smile as the home crowd interacted. Leeds were on the front foot against a Premier League stalwart after all.

But all Daniel Farke’s side had to show after 45 minutes was 12 shots and just one on target, while Everton had failed to record any at all. It was perhaps a signal that both teams are lacking currently.

Farke will be hopeful of soon introducing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to his plans, while talk remains around the possibility of singing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor. More will be required over the course of the season if they cannot capitalise even with such dominance.

It was little surprise to see Jack Grealish warming up on the pitch for Everton at the halfway mark and receiving instructions. Though he was forced to wait until the final 20 minutes to attempt to make an impact.

This was two teams full of players who have points to prove, including Jack Harrison. The Leeds star has spent two seasons on loan at Everton but came off the bench for his return to Elland Road having missed the club’s Championship campaigns.

That appears to have irked some as he received a smattering off boos, from his own fans rather than a vocal away support. The winger will be required to win over his own supporters, while helping the club fight for the live in the Premier League.

David Moyes will feel his point has been made too. The Toffees boss has called for at least three more signings, even after the arrival of players such as Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

While Grealish still requires to settle into a role in the side, Monday evening certainly showed that Moyes had worked to do for his team to be successful.

It was Leeds’ night and their new signing who made the significant impact. Nmecha delivered in the moment in mattered, and the Yorkshire are off the mark. Marching on together, mostly.

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