Lukas Nmecha Earns Leeds United the Win on Their Premier League Return

While it took over 80 minutes, Leeds United were able to break through a determined Everton side and earn a win in the Premier League on their first attempt. 

(Image Credit to Craig Brough/Action Images/Reuters)

For much of their opening match against Everton, Leeds United were playing right into the Toffees’ hands. 

Shot count? Dominated.

Possession? The Whites won that battle handily. 

Corners? Almost tripled Everton’s count. 

But for the vast majority of the game, Everton did what they needed to do and what they’ve been able to do so well in order to survive in the Premier League: keep opponents from finding the kill shot, hope Jordan Pickford pitches a masterclass (he usually does), and frustrate the attack. 

Then came the penalty. 

While evidence does suggest Everton defender James Tarkowski had his arm in a natural position while defending an incoming shot, the referee nonetheless gave a penalty in favour of Leeds United; Lukas Nmecha was able to convert the spot kick for his first Premier League goal and the lone goal in the Whites’ 1-0 win.

Nmecha wasn’t the only one to make his debut in the Monday night fixture. Sean Longstaff, the former Newcastle player, came off the Leeds bench to make his Whites debut, while Jack Grealish’s respective debut for Everton came from a substitution.

Leeds United will look to build off of the narrow victory when they travel to play Arsenal, while Everton’s next Premier League fixture is a home tilt against Brighton. 

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Article written by Noah Guttman