Anton Stach brilliant, Joel Piroe horrific – Leeds ratings in win v Everton
Anton Stach ran the show for Leeds as they claimed a much-deserved win over Everton on their Premier League return.
The Whites dominated much of the first half as Wilfried Gnonto looked a threat down the left-hand side, but had nothing to show for it.
With the score level going into the second half, Everton picked up their performance, threatening to open the scoring.
However, Leeds wrestled back control of the tie, and Stach’s deflected shot cannoned into the arm of James Tarkowski, earning the home side a penalty.
Lukas Nmecha stepped up to the plate to score on his debut, giving Daniel Farke’s side a 1-0 win and three points in their first Premier League game since 2023.
Leeds open Premier League campaign with three points
Lucas Perri – 7
Some wayward distribution that needs work, but the Brazilian’s shot-stopping was impressive and there are few doubts who the number one choice will be this season.
Jayden Bogle – 6
Mixed bag. Jayden Bogle began the match in his usual rambunctious way, flying forward and looking to be an attacking threat, but failed to take advantage of James Garner playing in an unfamiliar position.
Joe Rodon impresses for Leeds vs Everton
Joe Rodon – 8
Complimentary. Defended well and found no issue in dealing with Beto. Farke will struggle to drop him despite signing two new centre-backs this summer.
Pascal Struijk – 8
Tidy. Pascal Struijk was dominant in the Championship last season and he found no issue in dealing with Beto or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Gabriel Gudmundsson – 8
Impressive. The Swedish defender made the disappointment of losing Junior Firpo this summer a distant memory, flying down the left flank.
Ethan Ampadu – 6
Solid and dependable. Ethan Ampadu added solidity to the backline, but his passing lacked any sort of threat or impetus.
Gabriel Gudmundsson makes Leeds fans forget Junior Firpo
Dan James – 3
Dismal. Dan James was Leeds’ Player of the Season last term but he could not get anything going against an out-of-position Garner and was incredibly disappointing.
Ao Tanaka (off for Longstaff 93′) – 6
Lively on the ball, but struggled without it, and much like a number of his teammates, Ao Tanaka faded after a strong first-half performance.
Anton Stach – 9 – Player of the Match
Anton Stach was making his Leeds debut after joining from Hoffenheim in the summer, and the German midfielder added a touch of class to Farke’s side, running the game at his tempo. Won the penalty that gave Leeds the win.
Wilfried Gnonto (off for Aaronson 67′) – 5
Fizzled out. The Italian winger started brightly, often flying past Jake O’Brien with no issue, but after failing to find the back of the net with a half-chance in the first half, Gnonto rapidly went off the boil.
Joel Piroe – 2
Miserable. There were concerns that Joel Piroe would struggle to adapt to the Premier League. Those worries were justified; the Dutchman was miserable against Everton and cost his side a win with his wasteful finishing.
Substitutes
Brendan Aaronson (on for Gnonto 67′) – 3
Barely got a touch of the ball during his time on the pitch, the left-wing needs addressing.
Ilia Gruev (on for Ampadu 78′) – 6
Held possession well and offered defensive solidity during the closing stages.
Jack Harrison (on for James 78′) – 6
Facing off against his former side following a two-year loan spell, Jack Harrison worked hard to help his side defend their lead.
Lukas Nmecha (on for Piroe 78′) – 8
Match-winning penalty on his debut, it’s a matter of if, rather than when, Nmecha is given the starting role.
Sean Longstaff (on for Tanaka 93′) – 5
Was not on the pitch long enough to have an impact on proceedings.