In an impressive debut, Leeds clinched a victory over Everton in their league opener.
In the opening match of the English Premier League season, Leeds United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road in Leeds, England. The home side dominated the opening half, with 12 shots on goal, but only once making Pickford work.
Lukas Nmecha, making his Leeds debut, scored the winning goal in the 84th minute, amid controversy as James Tarkowski was adjudged to have handled the ball. The goal was a controversial penalty, as Tarkowski disputed the call, stating that he was convinced it would be overturned by the video assistant referee.
Leeds United started the match in confident fashion, having won the Championship title with 100 points last season. The team, under the management of Daniel Farke, who joined Leeds starting from summer 2023, after serving as a Premier League coach and head coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, expressed joy and pride in their performance and the support from the fans.
Farke acknowledged the importance of Elland Road as a fortress for a newly promoted side, aiming to avoid the trend of the past two seasons, where all three promoted clubs have been relegated.
Jack Grealish, who made his debut for Everton in the second half of the match, coincided with Everton's best spell of the game. However, it was Lucas Perri, one of Leeds' eight summer signings, who made an impressive save at his near post to turn back Carlos Alcaraz's powerful strike.
Tarkowski, who plays for Everton, had the opportunity to make amends with an equalizer but he headed over. The match between Leeds and Everton marks the third time in the Premier League era that two of the three promoted sides have won on the opening weekend, following Sunderland's 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
This victory marks a positive start for Leeds United in their return to the Premier League, and sets a strong precedent for the upcoming season. The team will look to build on this victory and continue their impressive form as they aim to establish themselves in the top-flight.
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