Stunning Leeds stats emerge as new signing makes instant splash vs Everton
Leeds United got off to the perfect start to life in the Premier League, as did one of their summer arrivals in their 1-0 win over Everton.
A late Lukas Nmecha penalty handed Leeds a narrow win over Everton, despite a dominant performance from the hosts.
The match marked Leeds’ return to the top flight following their Championship title victory last season.
Daniel Farke has been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing the likes of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United to Leeds.
Gudmundsson shines on debut
It was left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson though who shone on his debut, keeping a clean sheet and endearing himself to the Leeds support.
Gudmundsson joined Leeds from Lille, helping the French club to a fifth placed finish in Ligue 1 last season with the second best defensive record in the division.
Against Everton, Gudmundsson contributed at both ends of the pitch, but was particularly solid defensively.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 79 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Headed Clearances | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Defensive Contributions | 8 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Dribbled Past | 0 |
The 26-year-old also created two chances for his team mates, had three shots himself and successfully completed four dribbles.
Leeds set solid defensive foundations
Farke has made it clear in his transfer activity this summer that he wants to build a solid defensive foundation for his side to win games this season.
Amongst the acquisitions, Gudmundsson started alongside goalkeeper Lucas Perri, with Jaka Bijol suspended for a red card he picked up in his final appearance for Udinese.
Everton only had one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, in what was an excellent defensive performance by Leeds.
With support from a passionate home crowd, Leeds made home advantage count and set the standards that Farke’s side will need to hit on a weekly basis if they’re to survive in the Premier League.
Farke now just needs to make the defensive work count for more going forward with Leeds only finding the breakthrough in the 84th minute courtesy of a controversial handball on Everton defender James Tarkowski.
New signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin did not feature against his former club, and he will be a welcome presence once the striker gets up to full fitness.
A tougher test awaits against Arsenal next, but Leeds have proven they’re a Premier League side and that they can go to the Emirates and frustrate a Gunners side who were not at their best in their opening match at Manchester United.