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(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Mon 18 August 2025 22:10, UK

Anton Stach ran the show for Leeds as they claimed a much-deserved win over Everton on their Premier League return.

The Whites dominated much of the first half as Wilfried Gnonto looked a threat down the left-hand side, but had nothing to show for it.

With the score level going into the second half, Everton picked up their performance, threatening to open the scoring.

However, Leeds wrestled back control of the tie, and Stach’s deflected shot cannoned into the arm of James Tarkowski, earning the home side a penalty.

Lukas Nmecha stepped up to the plate to score on his debut, giving Daniel Farke’s side a 1-0 win and three points in their first Premier League game since 2023.

Daniel Farke will have been delighted with his side’s resolve.

Dan James was Leeds’ Player of the Season last term but he could not get anything going against an out-of-position Garner and was incredibly disappointing.

Ao Tanaka (off for Longstaff 93?) – 6

Lively on the ball, but struggled without it, and much like a number of his teammates, Ao Tanaka faded after a strong first-half performance.

Anton Stach – 9 – Player of the Match

Anton Stach was making his Leeds debut after joining from Hoffenheim in the summer, and the German midfielder added a touch of class to Farke’s side, running the game at his tempo.

The Italian winger started brightly, often flying past Jake O’Brien with no issue, but after failing to find the back of the net with a half-chance in the first half, Gnonto rapidly went off the boil.

Joel Piroe – 2

Miserable.

There were concerns that Joel Piroe would struggle to adapt to the Premier League.

Those worries were justified; the Dutchman was miserable against Everton and cost his side a win with his wasteful finishing.

Substitutes

Brendan Aaronson (on for Gnonto 67?) – 3

Barely got a touch of the ball during his time on the pitch, the left-wing needs addressing.

Ilia Gruev (on for Ampadu 78?) – 6

Held possession well and offered defensive solidity during the closing stages.

Felix Nmecha scored on his Leeds debut.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Jack Harrison (on for James 78?) – 6

Facing off against his former side following a two-year loan spell, Jack Harrison worked hard to help his side defend their lead.

Lukas Nmecha (on for Piroe 78?) – 8

Match-winning penalty on his debut, it’s a matter of if, rather than when, Nmecha is given the starting role.

Sean Longstaff (on for Tanaka 93?) – 5

Was not on the pitch long enough to have an impact on proceedings.

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