Leeds beat Everton 1-0 as Nmecha converts after Tarkowski handball

Leeds United returned to the Premier League in dramatic fashion, beating Everton 1-0 at Elland Road after a late penalty from Lukas Nmecha, awarded for what officials deemed a handball by James Tarkowski. The result capped a dominant performance from the newly promoted side, who controlled large spells of the game and extended their early-season momentum despite lingering debate over the deciding moment.

Leeds started with intent, dictating tempo and piling pressure on Jordan Pickford’s goal. Joel Piroe forced a save inside five minutes, and both Piroe and Ethan Ampadu were denied by blocks before Pascal Struijk headed home a corner in the 37th minute. Wilfried Gnonto nearly broke the stalemate just before the break, testing the Everton defence with a low drive that narrowly missed. The hosts continued to press after the interval, with Gnonto again close to striking, and Everton briefly found their footing after the introduction of Jack Grealish in the 71st minute. Leeds goalkeeper Lukasz Peri produced a crucial save to deny Carlos Alcaraz in the 76th minute, maintaining parity as the game wore on.

The decisive moment arrived in the 84th minute when a cross from Anton Stach...