Leeds United began life back in the Premier League with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road.
It was an encounter that the Whites certainly dominated - David Moyes' Everton were on the backfoot for the majority of the game, as they struggled to break out of their compact low block.
Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, and Ao Tanaka all tested Jordan Pickford, while Everton struggled to gain any rhythm in attack, with Beto feeding off scraps for the entirety.
Farke's side were eventually rewarded in the 81st minute when James Tarkowski was controversially penalised for handball. Nmecha, the debutant fresh off the bench, stepped up to convert cooly from the spot.
Lucas Perri, making his debut in goal, was rarely called into action. Jack Grealish's introduction didn't change much on that front.
It was a performance of discipline and promise moving forward - Daniel Farke reflected on the night and what the team needs moving forward.
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A hard-fought but deserved victory
The Whites dominated large spells of the game, particularly in the first half, but had to wait until the closing stages to break the deadlock.
“I think overall in a tight game, a hard-fought win but also a well-deserved win from my side,” Farke told the media. “Outstanding performance. I think we were very dominant in the first half and had nearly 70 per cent possession, 12 shots already in the first half.”
Farke admitted he had concerns that his team might be punished for not making their pressure count.
Complacency can be a killer for any side in the Premier League, and Farke wasn't afraid to admit he was getting a little tense throughout: “I was a bit worried because especially as a newly promoted side.
"Once you have such a dominant period, and it was more or less the whole first half that we dominated, normally you have to reward yourself also with the goal because at Premier League level one little moment can change your whole momentum,” he said.
Despite Everton improving after the break, Leeds stood firm. The Toffees had no choice but to show more attacking thrust, with attacks centered through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, arguably Everton's best performer on the night: “So I am pretty pleased that we were able in the second half to reward ourselves with this goal and also to protect this clean sheet. We didn’t allow really many chances during the whole game. I think we deserved to win this game but you always have to be switched on.”
The manager also praised Ethan Ampadu, who came off late on looking frustrated: “Key player for us, he sets the tone. Important for our defensive stability. Think it’s just a bruise [subbed off looking frustrated] but we will see.”
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Nmecha's "ice-cold" finish and chat with Tanaka
The decisive moment came when substitute Lukas Nmecha converted from the spot after James Tarkowski was penalised for handball. While Farke admitted he had doubts, the striker’s composure certainly impressed him.
“The first two or three touches of Lukas were not spot on,” he said. “I was a bit worried. The first touches were not great. I was thinking about saying, ‘today, perhaps is not the day to take’. He was ice-cold and calm. He is a top guy and a really good finisher.”
On the penalty decision itself, Farke said: “I haven’t watched it back. On field, it felt like it was a penalty. I was a bit worried because it was checked quite long. If you need so long, normally the on field decision should stand.
"Thank god it stood. I have to watch it back to judge it properly.”
The German was also seen having tense words with midfielder Ao Tanaka after the final whistle. Tanaka showed real grit and quality on a night where clear-cut chances were few and far between.
“Stach and Tanaka were doing channel runs in the 90th minute. I like that but important that we are not overdoing it and still doing smart decisions.
"Emotional player and can set the stadium on fire. But no point doing that if then we concede so that’s why (we spoke)."
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Need for more additions despite convincing win
Despite the perfect start, Farke reiterated that Leeds require reinforcements in attack to sustain their Premier League campaign. Farke isn't alone, with fans also remaining poised to see more attacking quality in the door.
“To give the best possible chance this season, need to score and assist,” he said. “Still in the market. Ready for two or three games but not prepared for full season.”
He doubled down on that point post-match, explaining: “In the offence would be good to have a few more options available. To be ready for a long Premier League season we definitely need a bit more quality up front.”
“At this level, you know bringing players in who improve our squad is costly. Thank god we have ambitious owners. We won’t do anything stupid. It is not about the sum of money - you have to spend it wisely.”
