Everton began their 2025-2026 season at Elland Road against newly-promoted Leeds United, facing challenges with injuries to key defenders. David Moyes reshuffled the back line, deploying three centre-backs and five central midfielders, leaving fans and pundits curious.
Leeds applied pressure from the start, with lively wingers and willing runners, though they didn’t create significant chances. Everton struggled, appearing unbalanced with James Garner at left-back and Charly Alcaraz as right winger. Leeds won five corners by 14 minutes, with Jordan Pickford missing a clearance with the latter. Luckily for England’s number one, the ball didn’t fall to a Leeds player. After Jake O’Brien cleared yet another corner at the back post, and Willy Gnonto firing a shot over the bar, Everton looked desperate for half-time.
Jack Grealish was ready for the second half but stayed on the bench as Moyes kept the same lineup. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall showed promise early on, and Everton seemed more comfortable in possession. They were not faultless, however, as Tim Iroegbunam gave the ball away in a dangerous position. The away fans needed more from their men, and Illiman Ndiaye briefly sparked into life. Weaving in and out of defenders on the edge of the box, his clever pass found Gana Gueye, but his shot — Everton’s first of the match — went over. Everton gained more possession, but Leeds remained threatening. Gnonto’s strike sparked celebrations from some home fans, as they saw the net ripple, only for the Italian’s reaction to inform them his effort only found the side netting. Iroegbunam was then booked for a late challenge on Ethan Ampadu, with the Welshman avoiding serious injury despite initial fears. Alcaraz also received a yellow, but after winning a free kick. The waving of an imaginary yellow card didn’t go down well with Chris Kavanagh. Everton failed to capitalise on the promising position.
Grealish entered the game after 70 minutes and immediately influenced play, drawing defenders in. O’Brien won a free kick on the opposite flank, and after his initial poor cross was returned to him, Dewsbury-Hall twisted away from the defender and poked the ball towards Alcaraz. His low shot was saved, leading to a corner where the Irish defender headed over. Daniel Farke sensed the momentum shift and introduced three substitutes, including Jack Harrison. Subsequently, Everton looked shaky. After Tanaka’s volley went over, a slip from Alcaraz after receiving the ball in front of his back line led to a domino effect, ending with a deflected strike from Anton Stach. The ball travelled through to James Tarkowski, who blocked the effort and celebrated his intervention. After deliberation, the referee pointed to the spot. Despite having his arms by his side, the experienced defender was deemed to have leaned into the ball with his arm. Lukas Nmecha scored, sending Leeds fans into a frenzy.
Everton’s late efforts, including Tarkowski’s slip at the back post, only able to thrust his header on the roof of the net, were too little, too late. It was a frustrating start to the season for Moyes’ side, who left Yorkshire empty-handed.
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