Overview

• Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a spot kick after Anton Stach’s shot deflected onto James Tarkowski’s arm, VAR upheld the call, and debutant substitute Lukas Nmecha converted in the 84th minute.
• Leeds controlled long stretches, producing 12 first‑half attempts as Everton failed to register a shot before the break, with Jordan Pickford required to keep the hosts out.
• Everton captain Tarkowski and Moyes condemned the decision as harsh, while pundits were split, with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher backing the penalty and Chris Sutton calling it a scandal.
• Grealish came on in the 71st minute but had limited impact as Everton’s makeshift side—featuring James Garner at left-back—offered little attacking threat.
• Leeds returned to the top flight after two years to become the second promoted team to win on opening weekend, and Everton next host Brighton in the first competitive match at Bramley‑Moore Dock.