How Leeds United can buck an unwanted trend after first Premier League win

Much has been made of the size and stature of Leeds United’s eight summer signings, with several standing over six foot.

Certainly Daniel Farke’s men will be walking a little taller today.

So, too, will their legions of fans who packed out Elland Road last night to see their club mark their Premier League return with a dramatic 1-0 win over Everton.

Love them or loathe them – and few clubs divide opinion as they do – you simply cannot ignore Leeds United.

Not now they are back in the big time, throwing punches at the heavyweights of English football again.

Not after they produced a performance overflowing with energy and desire which suggested that maybe, just maybe, they can defy the odds and beat the drop.

For all the controversy surrounding the late penalty which Lukas Nmecha converted after the ball struck James Tarkowski’s arm, Farke’s men could certainly not be described as unworthy victors.

They were the better side from start to finish, a point Toffees boss David Moyes readily conceded in his post-match interviews.

In the past two seasons, all three promoted sides have been immediately relegated.

But maybe times are changing.

First, Sunderland hammered West Ham on Saturday and then Leeds sent Everton back along the M62 with a bloody nose.

Could Farke keep the Yorkshire giants up? What significance last night’s victory carries – and the score gave only a brief glimpse of Leeds’ superiority – is difficult to assess.

It was the opening game of the season and Everton were clearly some way below their best, a sorry shadow of the side who marched to safety under Moyes just a few months ago.

Take nothing away from Leeds, though.

The Toffees certainly took nothing from them on a night when Elland Road was at its raucous best.

The old stadium is vintage and absolutely crying out for a redevelopment, which will come in the coming years and see capacity increased to 53,000.

But the raw, febrile atmosphere of Elland Road is one of the most intense in British football.

Gary Neville, covering the match from the sanctity of the Sky Sports studio, was unaware that the show had returned from an advert break.

He was caught saying: “They [Leeds] are the one group of fans I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near.”

Neville, a legend at Leeds’ hated rivals Manchester United, later paid the Whites a compliment.

He added: “I’d put Elland Road alongside Anfield, Ibrox and Celtic Park as some of the great hostile grounds that were just ferocious when you went there. You knew you had to work really hard to win.”

Farke recently spoke about making Elland Road a fortress and that was clear to see last night.

It was on the pitch, though, where Leeds really impressed.

Captain Ethan Ampadu was outstanding in the middle of the park; making tackles, barking instructions, cajoling his team-mates. Inspiring.

A number of Farkes new signings also caught the eye, particularly Anton Stach in midfield.

The 6ft 4in German stood tall alongside Ampadu and Japan star Ao Tanaka as Leeds dominated.

New goalkeeper Lucas Perri was assured in goal while Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson, another new recruit who stands over 6ft, impressed at left-back.

Nmecha, a free transfer signing from Wolfsburg, came on in the 78th minute and soon buried the penalty which sparked wild scenes.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The control that Leeds enjoyed for much of the game bodes well for the season ahead, although a lack of cutting edge in front of goal was a cause for concern.

There will be far greater challenges for Farke’s side – starting at Arsenal on Saturday – but they have a platform on which to build.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol, unavailable last night, will further boost a Leeds side who appear to have given themselves a fighting chance of staying up.

Farke wants more signings and AC Milan winger Noah Okafor could be next through the door.

Whatever happens at Elland Road this season, life will not be dull at a club which continues to intrigue.

Leeds fans should buckle up and sit tight.

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