Controversial Spot-Kick Gives Leeds Dream Start to Premier League Campaign

Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 10:01 IST

Leeds United marked their Premier League return with a 1-0 win over Everton, thanks to Lukas Nmecha's late controversial penalty.

Leeds United's German striker #14 Lukas Nmecha (L) celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) /

Leeds United marked their Premier League comeback in storybook fashion as Lukas Nmecha converted a late, highly controversial penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Everton at a raucous Elland Road on Monday night.

The match looked destined to end in a stalemate until referee Robert Jones controversially ruled James Tarkowski had handled Anton Stach’s driven effort in the 84th minute. After VAR upheld the decision, substitute Nmecha—making his Leeds debut just six minutes earlier—kept his cool to beat Jordan Pickford from the spot, igniting jubilant celebrations in Yorkshire.

Controversy Defines the Decider

Everton captain Tarkowski was blunt in his post-match reaction: “It’s not a penalty. I was convinced it would be overturned," he said, lamenting the decision which denied his side an opening-weekend point.

Manager Sean Dyche’s men offered little threat in attack during the first half and could find no response after falling behind. Their best spell came after the introduction of Jack Grealish, making his Everton debut on loan from Manchester City, but the Toffees still failed to carve clear chances. Tarkowski himself headed over late on in their only real opportunity for redemption.

Positive Start for the Promoted Side

Leeds manager Daniel Farke admitted the team must make Elland Road “a fortress" to avoid the fate of recent promoted clubs, all of whom have endured swift returns to the Championship.

The winning return comes after Leeds stormed to promotion last season with 100 points in the Championship. Farke, who previously struggled in top-flight stints with Norwich, struck a defiant tone after the win:

“It’s great to give the supporters something to cheer. You could see the joy, the pride in their faces. For a newly promoted side, this place has to become a fortress."

Leeds dominated the opening half with 12 shots but lacked a clinical edge until the penalty. New signing Lucas Perri impressed in goal, denying Carlos Alcaraz in Everton’s best moment before the deciding goal came at the other end.

Promoted Teams Make a Statement

Leeds’ victory follows Sunderland’s 3-0 upset of West Ham on Saturday, meaning two of the three promoted clubs began with wins—something that has happened only three times in the Premier League era.

Leeds fans, whose last taste of Premier League football ended with relegation in 2023, celebrated wildly as Farke’s new-look side made the perfect restart.

(With AFP Inputs)

Vineet Ramakrishnan

Vineet R, an accomplished sports journalist with over 13 years of experience in digital media, currently serves as the Associate Editor - Sports at CricketNext and News18 Sports. With a specialization in cricke...Read More

Vineet R, an accomplished sports journalist with over 13 years of experience in digital media, currently serves as the Associate Editor - Sports at CricketNext and News18 Sports. With a specialization in cricke...

Read More

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Leeds, UK

First Published:

August 19, 2025, 10:01 IST

News sports Controversial Spot-Kick Gives Leeds Dream Start to Premier League Campaign

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