Lukas Nmecha’s controversial late penalty gave Leeds lift-off on their return to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Everton at a jubilant Elland Highway on Monday.
The match gave the impression to be meandering in the direction of a stalemate till James Tarkowski was harshly adjudged to have dealt with Anton Stach’s pushed shot.
Nmecha had solely been on the sector for six minutes of his Leeds debut however confidently fired previous Jordan Pickford within the 84th minute.
“It’s not a penalty,” mentioned Tarkowski. “I used to be fairly satisfied it was going to get overturned (by VAR).
“A weird second and it price us the purpose in the long run.”
Everton handed a debut to Manchester Metropolis loanee Jack Grealish within the second half, however the Toffees had been left to rue not posing something of an attacking menace within the opening 45 minutes.
Leeds are aiming to keep away from the development of the previous two seasons when all three promoted golf equipment have been relegated.
Daniel Farke has additionally struggled beforehand with the step as much as the English top-flight throughout two makes an attempt as Norwich supervisor.
However after Sunderland beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday, two of the three promoted sides have gained on the opening weekend for under the third time within the Premier League period.
Farke’s males stormed to promotion by successful the Championship title with 100 factors final season and Leeds began in assured style.
The house facet had been dominant within the opening half with 12 photographs on objective however solely as soon as made Pickford work when the England goalkeeper blocked from Joel Piroe.
Grealish’s introduction coincided with Everton’s greatest spell of the sport.
Lucas Perri, one in every of Leeds’ eight summer season signings, made a powerful save at his close to submit to show behind Carlos Alcaraz’s highly effective strike earlier than Jake O’Brien headed the ensuing nook over.
Simply as Leeds appeared like they could have to carry on for some extent, they had been gifted the prospect for an ideal begin with all three.
There was little Tarkowski may do as his left arm was down by his facet because it blocked Stach’s effort.
Nmecha stayed calm amid the furore because the German worldwide discovered the underside nook.
“For a newly-promoted facet it (Elland Highway) has to grow to be a fortress,” mentioned Farke.
“It’s nice to see the enjoyment and the pleasure of their eyes. It’s nice to present the supporters, who’re so emotional and care a lot about their membership, one thing to cheer.”
Tarkowski had Everton’s solely probability to make amends with an equaliser however he headed over.
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