Analysis: Perfect start for vibrant Leeds
- Published
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke stated before kick-off that his side would stick to the attacking principles that took them back into the top flight - and he was true to his word.
They pinned Everton back in a state of panic throughout the first half, but could not find the breakthrough, with only one of their 12 shots on target.
Leeds' concern at half-time was that they would not be able to maintain the sheer intensity after the break, fuelled by adrenalin in a supercharged Elland Road environment.
It looked like all their endeavours would only be rewarded with a point - until James Tarkowski's late handball, a penalty correctly awarded after a video assistant referee check.
Leeds survived an anxious seven minutes of stoppage time without any serious alarms for debutant goalkeeper Lucas Perri, the famous old stadium shaking when referee Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle.
It was a night that proved, if proof were needed, that Elland Road and its hostile environment will be a key factor in Leeds United's campaign to stay in the Premier League.
Did you know?
Leeds kept a clean sheet in their opening game of a league campaign for the first time in 13 seasons, since a 1-0 victory over Wolves in August 2012 in the Championship.