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(Credit: Imago)

Jack Heath

Tue 19 August 2025 7:00, UK

Leeds put on an excellent display against Everton to grab all three points in a thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory.

Following their return to the Premier League after a two-year hiatus Leeds were excellent as they beat Everton 1-0.

The Yorkshire outfit dominated large parts of the game as the Toffees appeared completely off it even with new additions Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea and Jack Grealish from Man City playing their parts.

James Tarkowski was at fault for a seemingly-harsh penalty, but Lukas Nmecha did not care as he struck the ball home from the spot with ease.

A great start for the Whites as we learned a significant amount from their first outing back in the English top-flight.

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The big news ahead of the clash was the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free following his summer departure from the Toffees.

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However, the Englishman, despite being registered in time for the match, was not named in the Leeds match day squad at all.

This could suggest there are doubts over his infamously-shaky fitness or perhaps Daniel Farke felt he wasn’t ready for the start of the season.

With both Joel Piroe and Nmecha presumably above him in the pecking order, the 28-year-old will need to work hard to push into the first-team.

Elland Road’s new signing did not feature today (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Part of the reason why the Peacocks struggled so much in recent years in the top-flight was down to the inconsistency of former number one Illan Meslier.

The Frenchman was known for conceding with ease and producing a huge amount of errors, a factor which can be the difference for keeping a promoted side in the league.

Bringing in Lucas Perri from Lyon, the Brazilian was a much more assured presence in net, although having very little to do.

He made just the one save when called upon but kept his focus throughout the game as his side ramped up the pressure on the Evertonians, although Perri did escape one bizarre lapse which the officials missed to the chagrin of ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett.

Lucas Perri v Everton (18 August)Minutes played 90Saves1Punches2Clean sheets1(Source: Sofascore)

The German’s philosophy of unrelenting attacking football with high intensity pressing is a joy to watch and many would’ve thought he would change his tactics to be more pragmatic.

Under spells with Norwich in the Premier League, his Canaries sides were torn apart due to defensive weaknesses across the pitch.

Yet, with an awesome midfield three of Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach protecting the back four, the Peacocks looked relatively comfortable at the back, conceding just one big chance.

Going forward they were brilliant, quickly switching the ball and driving at a timid Everton defence, taking 21 shots in total compared to the Toffees’ seven.

The German got his tactics right against Everton (Credit: Imago)

One of the shock departures of the end of last season was Junior Firpo who left the Yorkshire outfit on a free to join Real Betis.

His replacement, Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, was brought in to be his replacement and boy did he impress under the Monday night lights at Elland Road.

The Swede covered 10.8km bombing up and down the left-hand side, delivering two key passes and making four clearances in an excellent performance.

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After netting 19 goals in the Championship last year, many had high hopes for Joel Piroe to hit the ground running in the top-flight.

However, history has shown us that second-tier pedigree doesn’t always equate to guaranteed goals in the Premier League, the hardest league in the world.

Joel Piroe v Leeds (18 August)Minutes played78Shots (on target)3 (1)Big chances missed1Touches27(Source: Sofascore)

The Dutchman struggled to get into the game, taking the fewest touches amongst the outfield players and having just one shot on target, missing a big chance in the process.

He has the potential to ease into the top division, but the 26-year-old will certainly need more time to grow into the league and bed in.

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