Leeds United defeated Everton 1-0 at Elland Road in their opening match of the Premier League season.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United had Lukas Nmecha’s penalty, and a somewhat fortunate refereeing decision to give it, to thank for their victory and a huge three points.
Nmecha came on for Joel Piroe and scored with one of his first touches to secure victory after a scintillating first-half performance from the Whites.
The likes of Anton Stach, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk were the outstanding players, but Everton fans were taking note of a different player on the night prior to Jack Grealish coming on as substitute.
Everton regret not signing Willy Gnonto
Willy Gnonto tried to force his way out of Leeds to Everton. That was two summers ago, and then Everton were confident it would be second time lucky with Gnonto last summer after Leeds’ loss in the play-off final.
Gnonto has since changed his agent after last summer’s antics and though he was reportedly keen on joining Everton, he was not expected to push for a move.
Instead, he remained and signed a new deal at Elland Road. Gnonto then scored nine and assisted six in all competitions last term to help get Leeds into the Premier League at the second time of asking.
One Everton fan on Twitter/X said: “That Gnonto looks like he’s out to prove a point for us failing to buy him the other season 😅 #EFC”
Another added: “Gnonto showing why we wanted him last summer! Real threat!”
A further Everton fan said: “I thought gnonto looked good last time Leeds were up. We should have tried to get him”
Gnonto also won the Young Player of the Season award for his efforts last year, with Jermain Defoe believing Gnonto is a match-winner. Leeds need those this season.
Willy Gnonto’s key stats in and out of possession for Everton
Gnonto played 67 minutes against Everton, had three shots, a pass accuracy of 85%, and seven sprints in terms of what he was doing with the ball.
Then, off the ball, he was everywhere. Gnonto completed the most tackles on the pitch with three, two interceptions, a recovery, and won four out of eight ground duels against 6’6″ Jake O’Brien.
All stats are via FotMob, but, perhaps more than anything, Gnonto showcased to Everton what they were missing; Everton fans certainly seemed to think so.
West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville is delighted with Gnonto’s progress, and it will be even sweeter for Leeds fans to see him put in such a display against Everton.
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