Fallen giant makes fairytale return as late VAR drama rocks rival — PL wrap

Leeds United have picked up three points in their return to the English Premier League with a late penalty handing the newcomers a 1-0 victory at home to Everton on Tuesday morning AEST.

Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed the spot in the 81st minute when Everton defender James Tarkowski dropped his shoulder to block an Anton Stach, only for the ball collect a piece of his arm and be adjudged a handball.

Despite the protests from the Toffees, VAR did not overrule, and three minutes later substitute, and debutant, Lukas Nmecha powerfully drilled the penalty into the bottom corner past a diving Jordan Pickford to send the Elland Road faithful into hysteria.

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Groans rang out around the Yorkshire ground when the fourth official held up there board to show seven minutes of added time.

It was a nervy ending for the hosts, but they followed Sunderland in being a newly promoted side to start the season with a win.

Leeds United make successful EPL return | 02:01

An alarming trend in the Premier League has been that in the last two campaigns, the three promoted sides have gone straight back down to the Championship.

There is a long way to go to buck that trend but Leeds made the best possible start, not just scoring the winning goal but also taking 21 shots to 7 and having more of the ball with 55% possession.

“For a newly-promoted side it (Elland Road) has to become a fortress,” Leeds manager Daniel Farke said.

“It’s great to see the joy and the pride in their eyes. It’s great to give the supporters, who are so emotional and care so much about their club, something to cheer.”

Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes opted not to start loanee Jack Grealish, instead bringing the England international and former Manchester City No.10 off the bench in the 71st minute.

Grealish’s introduction coincided with Everton’s best spell of the game.

Grealish’s introduction coincided with Everton’s best spell of the game.

Lucas Perri, one of Leeds’ eight summer signings, made an impressive save at his near post to turn behind Carlos Alcaraz’s powerful strike before Jake O’Brien headed the resulting corner over.

“A bizarre moment and it cost us the point in the end.”

“A bizarre moment and it cost us the point in the end.”

Tarkowski had Everton’s only chance to make amends with an equaliser but he headed over.

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