Daniel Farke has lauded Leeds’ opening weekend win against Everton as “outstanding”, while giving a major injury update on captain Ethan Ampadu.
The Whites toppled Everton on their Elland Road Premier League return after debutant Lukas Nmecha coolly slotted home from 12 yards following a controversial penalty decision.
But Farke’s side were dominant for much of the contest, recording 21 shots to Everton’s seven, with the visitors managing just a solitary effort on target.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
As ever, the Elland Road faithful created a frightening and intimidating atmosphere. Leeds skipper Ampadu made the Everton team wait in the tunnel for half a minute to listen and take in the frenetic crowd that they were to face.
The Elland Road faithful created an intimidating atmosphere
|REUTERS
The atmosphere was mirrored by the intensity on the pitch, with Leeds controlling large portions of the game through their energetic yet aggressive midfield triad of Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Ampadu.
The victory means that two promoted clubs (Leeds and Sunderland) have won on the opening day for just the second time in Premier League history.
Last year it took until November for two of the promoted clubs to get their first wins of the season. Ipswich didn’t record a victory until November 20.
JUST IN: David Moyes blasts ‘poor’ Premier League referees after controversial penalty decision against Leeds
There were jubilant scenes on and off the field after the result
|REUTERS
Leeds boss Farke praised the fans after the game for their part in the victory.
"We are happy and grateful we are allowed to present our supporters, who had to suffer a lot over the years,” the German boss said. "It was special and a really good day for us.
"We were dominant in the first half and had 12 shots. That is outstanding for a newly promoted side.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
"I was a bit worried because we were so dominant and normally you score. It can be costly when you don't take your opportunities. Lukas Nmencha took his opportunity. It was hard fought."
The penalty decision, checked and cleared by VAR, has faced criticism from Everton.
Captain James Tarkowski called the decision “bizarre”, while boss David Moyes insisted that it was “not a penalty”.
Farke remained somewhat diplomatic on the issue when speaking to BBC Sport: "I haven't seen it back on telly. During the game, I got the feeling it was a penalty. There was an emotional influence by the roar of the home crowd.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Daniel Farke hailed an 'outstanding' win over Everton
|BBC Sport
"I was a bit worried as the check was so long, but if the check takes that long then surely you can't overturn it.
"I haven't seen it back so I can't judge it. I hope the referee was right."
The 48-year-old detailed his concerns over Nmecha stepping up to take the penalty just six minutes after his introduction to the game.
"I was a bit worried because I don't like a player who is just in the game to take them,” he continued. “But he is such a good penalty taker. I didn't want to stop him.
"Calm yourself down and he will do the job. He has suffered a bit in the past years, but he came up with the decisive goal.
"A good start is always crucial. The first win out of the way and the first clean sheet, we have to carry on and win many more points.”
The former Norwich boss concluded with a verdict on Ampadu. The skipper suffered a nasty-looking injury in the second half when Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam slid into him, leaving Ampadu down and receiving treatment for some minutes.
The news, for now, from Farke is good for Leeds fans: “He’s a key player for us, he sets the tone and important for our defensive stability. We think it's just a bruise, but we will see.”