Match recap: Everton 0-1 Leeds United

Leeds United were victorious in an end-to-end encounter away to Everton thanks to a brilliant Raphinha goal - his first for the club.

Both teams showed their intent early-on as Raphinha was released on the right channel before slipping ball across the box to his left which was intercepted. Everton responded with some lovely play on the right, opening a cross into the path of Doucore, whose close range shot was brilliantly saved by Meslier.

Raphinha was involved again minutes later has his cute pass through the Everton defence found Harrison on the end of a quick counter attack, but he put his low shot just wide of the post. Bamford came close too, with Klich’s deflected pass arriving at his feet around the penalty spot. He shot away from Pickford who was diving to his left, but his outstretched feet covered him well.

Everton had the ball in the net soon after as Rodriguez smashed a brilliant strike into the net from a tight angle before being ruled offside. The Whites came so close at the other end again as an excellent Raphinha header from the left was matched by the save as Pickford clawed it away from his far post. Leeds came again with Ayling cutting back to Harrison whose shot was cleared off the line.

The Toffees had another goal disallowed, this time Richarlison heading in from a corner-kick, with Ben Godfrey blocking the keeper and attempting to play the ball in an offside position. Another response came from Leeds as a deep cross from the left found Harrison at the back post, whose header came off the woodwork.

The first-half was yet another basketball game for Leeds to cause havoc in, but no basketball team goes through a whole game without conceding chances. But when the time comes, you have to seize the moment.

The second half kept it’s high energy but clear chances became a little harder to come by. It all led up to a moment of magic from Raphinha who received the ball well outside the box from Harrison. He sized up the target for a moment, considering his options before unleashing a brilliant low strike across goal, nestling right in the bottom corner to give Leeds the lead on 78 minutes.

The Whites continued to press the home side, with a couple of chances coming close. Alioski missed a gilt-edge chance when through on goal, the flag went up but the decision was tight. Helder Costa then came close off the bench as Poveda worked his way through on the right before cutting the ball across goal, coming off Rodrigo and propping up for Costa on the left channel with his shot well saved by the keeper.

Leeds kept a tight grip on the game for the final 15 minute or so, but Everton’s danger and quality is undeniable, it could’ve been anyone’s game. Leeds now look ahead to a trip down south to Chelsea where we will see fans return for the first time in The Premier League.