It promised to be a tricky opener: a newly promoted side, supporters roaring with opening-day optimism, and a team desperate to show the Premier League they have what it takes.
And that it did. Everton laboured in the first half, failing to impose themselves or register a shot on Leeds’ goal. The second half was an improvement, with more control, but their lack of creativity remained glaring for David Moyes’ side. A harsh penalty against James Tarkowski proved decisive, calmly dispatched to seal Leeds United’s night. With too few debutants involved and a team he never truly wanted, Moyes was left to hang out to dry.
The first team news of the season offered little excitement, with Vitalii Mykolenko and Adam Aznou both sidelined, leaving a gap on the left. James Garner was the square peg filling that round hole at left-back. The only debutant to start was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, making his official Premier League bow, while Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry had to settle for the bench.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6.5
It was hard to single out one poor performer when Everton collectively failed to click in the first half. Their lack of pressing played straight into Leeds’ hands, with Ethan Ampadu comfortably pocketing the former Chelsea midfielder. He wasn’t the worst on the pitch, but a much stronger showing was needed after the break, and that attacking spark finally arrived.
Everton’s playmaker provided the response, creating two clear chances in quick succession: one for Charly Alcaraz, and from the resulting corner, another for Jake O’Brien, who squandered a straightforward header as the Irishman was unmarked in the middle.
Had either found the net, the narrative could have been very different, with the midfielder likely walking away as Everton’s standout performer. Not to be, but surely a performance that can buoy the fans into the Premier League opening of the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jack Grealish - 6
Introduced in the 71st minute to replace Tim Iroegbunam, he was deployed on the left, prompting positional shifts for Charly Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye. He received the ball in wide areas on several occasions, but often cut inside too far from goal to make a real impact, with Leeds crowding the central spaces.
He didn’t misplace a pass and worked hard tracking back, showing good discipline. There’s clearly more to come once he settles and gains regular minutes.
Thierno Barry - 6
He came on with just five minutes to go and never got the dream debut he’d hoped for. Had he entered earlier, especially given Beto’s shocking performance, he might have won possession or challenged for a header in the attacking half to help improve Everton’s result.
Three debuts, three points dropped in a deeply disappointing display. Moyes is already feeling the pressure for more transfer arrivals, but will we see more opportunities for further debuts across the squad? Wait and see, Toffees fans.