EPL: Everton Loses 1-0 to Leeds in Season Opener

Leeds United wins 1-0 against Everton in Premier League opener

Leeds United defeats Everton 1-0 in their Premier League opener, thanks to Lukas Nmecha's penalty goal in the 84th minute.

Leeds United kicked off their Premier League season with a thrilling 1-0 win over Everton at Elland Road. The match saw Leeds dominate the early stages, with Joël Piroe and Ao Tanaka creating promising opportunities, although neither could capitalize on their chances. Piroe's close-range effort was expertly saved by Jordan Pickford, while Tanaka opted to head the ball across the six-yard box instead of going for goal.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute when Lukas Nmecha scored a penalty, securing a hard-fought victory for Leeds United. This win marked a successful return to the Premier League for Leeds, while Everton suffered their fourth consecutive opening game loss.

Leeds United's high-intensity pressing caused Everton significant problems throughout the match, but despite their dominance, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. The Toffees' defense held firm, limiting the hosts' scoring opportunities.

In the first half, Leeds looked to increase the pressure, with Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto posing a constant threat on the wings. However, the team continued to lack a cutting edge in the final third, with Gnonto shooting narrowly over the bar from outside the box. This lack of clinical finishing proved problematic for the Whites, who had scored 95 goals en route to the Championship title last season under Daniel Farke.

The second half began similarly to the first, with Leeds continuing to press high and create chances. Wilfried Gnonto was particularly threatening, going close to scoring twice, but Everton's defense held firm.

Lift off for @LUFC!

Lukas Nmecha converts from the penalty spot for a debut goal 🎯 pic.twitter.com/rlMMTTyOxF

— Premier League (@premierleague) August 18, 2025

As the match wore on, Everton's manager David Moyes introduced new signing Jack Grealish in an attempt to change the game's momentum. With 20 minutes remaining, Grealish's arrival injected fresh energy into the Toffees' attack as they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, despite Leeds having dominated the match up to that point.

Everton's Carlos Alcaraz posed a threat with a powerful low shot that was smartly saved by Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Meanwhile, Leeds' Ao Tanaka wasted a chance, blazing a 18-yard effort over the bar.

As the match entered its final 10 minutes, both teams continued to push forward. Leeds were awarded a penalty when Anton Stach's strike was blocked by James Tarkowski's arm in the box, giving them a golden opportunity to break the deadlock.