Leeds Are Back!

Nmecha's late penalty seals winning return to the Big Time.

'Heellllooooooo, Heelllloooooo'

'It's good to be back, it's good to be back'

Quoting Liam Gallagher's blistering opening vocals, during this summers Oasis reunion tour, could not have felt more appropriate after the scenes at Elland Road last night. Leeds are back, and it feels fucking great.

Leeds didn't just sneak away with a 1-0 victory: they actually looked good and more than comfortable against an established Premier League side. The first half saw Leeds pretty much dominate straight from the start, albeit without creating many clear cut chances.

The second-half saw Everton come back into the game, but it was Leeds who still looked more dangerous. As the game wore on a draw started to look almost inevitable. This wouldn't have been terrible for Leeds, although it would have felt like one had gotten away, considering the superiority they showed on the night.

We needn't concern ourselves with what-ifs, though. The winner arrived, finally, in the 84th minute. Carlos Alcaraz lost possession in midfield for Everton before the ball made its way to Anton Stach. The German debutant struck a powerful effort at goal that deflected up onto the arm of James Tarkowski, who was leaning towards the ball. The ref pointed to the spot, and after a brief deliberation with VAR, the penalty was confirmed. Nmecha held his nerve and slotted home. Elland Road erupted into pandemonium.

Some have suggested that the penalty decision was 'controversial', although that only seems to be the case if your name is David Moyes, you support Everton, or you're an idiot. Moyes argued that the only way for Tarkowski to get out of the way would be to cut off his arm, which seems a bit dramatic, and definitely doesn't make him come across as a bitter loser.

Ask most Leeds fans and they will undoubtedly tell you that we never get penalties. Or score from free-kicks. Or from corners. Now, whether the stats actually back up these pessimistic views is unclear (I'm sure someone knows), but it felt good to have something go our way, especially on such a big occasion.

Aside from the scoreline itself, there were many other positives for Leeds to take from last night. Ao Tanaka looked great in midfield and was, for me, the man of the match.

I really liked how Gudmundsson and Gnonto linked up down the left hand-side. Both Rodon and Struijk looked assured at the centre of defence. Ampadu and Bogle both looked at home at this level, as well. With key players still to return, and attacking additions surely to be made, this was a performance to take pride in.

It was great to see a roaring Elland Road last night, with a fitting result. Over the next couple of days, us fans should bask in our triumphant return, and distract ourselves from tedious transfer rumours. Because soon enough we'll be back at it again. Next up is Arsenal, who are a far more daunting prospect. For the time being though, lets enjoy being back.