Leeds United’s return to the Premier League proved to be a proud night for Welsh football, with Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James all impressing in a 1-0 victory over Everton at Elland Road.
On a night when Lukas Nmecha’s late penalty stole the headlines, the presence and performances of the three Wales internationals gave encouragement to Wales manager Craig Bellamy ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Rodon was assured at the back, Ampadu dictated midfield with his usual composure, and James’ pace repeatedly stretched Everton’s defence.
For Leeds manager Daniel Farke, though, the decisive moment came from his German forward, who only joined the club this summer.
Farke admitted he briefly considered stopping Nmecha from taking the spot-kick, awarded in the 84th minute after James Tarkowski handled Anton Stach’s shot.
“I was a bit worried. He’s on the sheet for taking penalties, but as a substitute, he needed more touches and I was thinking of stepping in there and taking the ball off him,” said Farke.
“Thank God I calmed myself down and he prove me right with an ice-cold finish. He deserves today to be in the spotlight after not the easiest of periods in these last few years.”
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Nmecha has endured injury troubles during his final years at Wolfsburg, but Farke believes Leeds have found a bargain.
“He’s been excellent,” said Farke. “He’s won caps for Germany, but his last couple of seasons were pretty much interrupted with injury.
“It’s always a bit risky to bring such a player in, but this was the reason he was a free transfer, more or less a bargain.
“Just with this important goal, that is worth three points, he’s paid everything back – but we didn’t pay for him!
“He’s a great guy, a hard worker, pretty physical attributes for the Premier League.”
Leeds dominated much of the game, registering 21 shots and nearly 70 per cent possession. Farke said his players’ intensity, particularly in the first half, set the tone.
“Overall, in a tight game, a hard-fought win, but also a well-deserved win,” he added.
“I think for a newly promoted side, it was an outstanding performance."
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Everton manager David Moyes was less impressed with the officiating.
“I’m obviously going to say it’s not a penalty and I believe it’s not a penalty,” he said. “I’ve been to see the referee.
“The referee sort of (had) nothing to do with it, he thought it was to do with VAR, the decision they’ve made.
“I actually think the referees have had a poor weekend in the opening weekend. I think there have been a lot of (poor) decisions and tonight’s is another one.”
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Despite Moyes’ complaints, few inside Elland Road disputed that Leeds deserved the win.
The home crowd roared their team through seven tense minutes of stoppage time before celebrating their first Premier League victory in over a year.
For Wales fans, the sight of Rodon’s authority in defence, Ampadu’s calmness in midfield and James’ direct running was equally significant.
With Bellamy’s side about to resume their qualifying campaign, the performance of the Leeds trio offered timely reassurance.
