Ice-Cold Nmecha Shrugs Off Poor Early Touches

Farke glad he didn't stop sub from taking Leeds' game-winning penalty in opener

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LONDON - Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hailed an "ice-cold" Lukas Nmecha, as a late penalty from his new signing earned the newly promoted team a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton in their first match back in the English Premier League on Aug 18.

Leeds dominated the first half in front of a raucous Elland Road crowd, but wasted a host of chances to break the deadlock. Everton, on the other hand, did not muster a single shot, on or off target, in the opening period.

The visitors brought on close-season arrival Jack Grealish as they improved after the break, but James Tarkowski's handball gave the hosts the opportunity to snatch victory six minutes from time.

Nmecha, a free transfer ahead of the new campaign, stepped off the bench to emphatically convert from the spot, ensuring Leeds, back in the top flight after a two-year absence, got their season off to the perfect start.