Moyes laments ‘poor’ start for refs in Everton loss

By Author On Aug 19, 2025

Everton boss David Moyes has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions in the Premier League opener against Leeds United, a match that ended in a controversial 1-0 defeat for Everton. The spotlight was on a late penalty awarded to Leeds, decided by referee Chris Kavanagh and upheld by VAR, after Everton captain James Tarkowski was penalized for a handball during the crucial moment. Moyes publicly challenged the call, stating he believed it was not a penalty and criticizing the overall performance of referees over the opening weekend as “poor.”

The penalty incident arose when Leeds debutant Anton Stach took a deflected shot that struck Tarkowski’s upper arm while his arms were by his side, though Tarkowski appeared to lean into the ball. This nuanced situation sparked an intense debate about the interpretation of handball rules and VAR involvement. Despite Moyes’ disappointment, Leeds substitute Lukas Nmecha calmly converted the penalty in the 84th minute, securing the win in what was Leeds’ first match back in the Premier League following promotion.

Moyes’ reflections extended beyond refereeing; he admitted that Everton’s performance was unimpressive, particularly in the first half, though the team showed improvement in the second half. He praised Leeds for their intensity in the opening 30 minutes, acknowledging their effort and tactical execution.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke added color to the moment by revealing his initial concerns about entrusting Nmecha, a substitute, with the penalty. Nmecha, who had struggled with injuries in recent seasons, displayed great composure to confidently score, just six minutes after coming onto the pitch. Farke emphasized Nmecha’s physicality and work ethic, attributes well-suited to the demands of the Premier League, and hailed the signing as a valuable addition to the squad.

Looking ahead, Everton is set to play their first-ever Premier League match at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium against Brighton on August 24, an eagerly anticipated home milestone. Leeds will travel to face Arsenal a day earlier, continuing their return to top-flight football with high hopes.

Key Takeaways from Moyes’ Post-Match Comments

Refereeing controversies impacted Everton’s fate: Moyes explicitly branded the referees’ weekend performances as poor and viewed the penalty decision as another incorrect call affecting his team.
Tactical intensity rewarded Leeds: Leeds started strong, and their intensity in the first 30 minutes played a significant role in the match dynamics.
Team performance self-assessment: Moyes acknowledged Everton’s underwhelming performance but noted improvement after halftime.
Nmecha’s redemption moment: Leeds’ substitute striker’s calm spot-kick finishing emphasized a successful signing strategy despite previous injury struggles.

Understanding the Controversial Penalty Incident

The contentious penalty was awarded after the ball struck Tarkowski’s arm as he leaned into the shot, with his arms close to his body. Referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision was confirmed by VAR, igniting debates on handball rule interpretations—particularly on whether the arm position and player movement justify a penalty. Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe noted that Tarkowski was trying to keep his arm behind his back, making the call harsh from a certain perspective.

Moyes’ reaction was immediate and visible; he confronted the referee post-match, signaling the significance of the decision in the game’s outcome. Such debates highlight ongoing challenges around officiating consistency in Premier League fixtures, contributing to managerial frustrations at the elite level.

What This Means for Everton and Leeds Going Forward

Everton faces a challenging start to the Premier League season. Aside from refereeing controversies, Moyes is focused on improving his team’s performance, especially against stronger opposition. The upcoming match at their new stadium marks a fresh chapter for the club, a point Moyes himself has hinted will be motivating for the squad and fans alike.

Leeds, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience and effective squad management by integrating new signings like Nmecha. Their victory sets a positive tone as they seek to establish themselves firmly in the Premier League following promotion. Manager Daniel Farke’s trust in players recovering from setbacks paid dividends and could influence tactical decisions in future matches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Was the penalty awarded to Leeds against Everton justified?
A1: The penalty decision was highly controversial. Tarkowski appeared to lean slightly into the ball with his arm near his body, a situation that VAR upheld as handball. Views on the call remain divided among experts and fans.

Q2: How did Everton perform overall in the match?
A2: Everton’s performance was below expectations according to David Moyes, particularly in the opening period. The team improved somewhat in the second half but ultimately fell short.

Q3: Who scored the winning goal for Leeds?
A3: Lukas Nmecha scored the decisive penalty in the 84th minute after coming on as a substitute, showcasing composure despite recent injury struggles.

Q4: When is Everton’s next match and where will it be played?
A4: Everton’s next Premier League match is on August 24 against Brighton, and it will be the first at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Q5: What impact did this match have on Leeds United’s Premier League campaign?
A5: The win provided Leeds a strong start back in the top flight, boosting confidence and earning three important points on their home ground.