Leeds off to winning start despite Everton complaints

Lukas Nmecha scored a controversial late penalty on his Premier League debut as Leeds defeated Everton 1-0 at Elland Road.

After Everton captain James Tarkowski was adjudged to have handled, second-half substitute Nmecha held his nerve to score a penalty in the 84th minute, giving Leeds a well-deserved victory.

Everton strongly protested the penalty decision, which came after Anton Stach’s thumping shot hit Tarkowski in the arm, but VAR quickly upheld referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision.

Tarkowski called the decision “bizarre,” while Everton manager David Moyes, who confronted Kavanagh at full-time, told Sky Sports: “The goal is completely wrong and extremely harsh.” “It took a deflection, and Tarky would have had to have his arm amputated.

It was a poor choice. VAR had a chance to make a correct and fair decision, but I felt it was not.”

Romero agrees new deal with Tottenham

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has ended uncertainty over his future by signing a new long-term contract at the club.

The 27-year-old Argentina centre-back, who had been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, was named as Spurs’ new skipper on Wednesday following the departure of Son Heung-min.

Romero had entered the final two years of his previous contract, but the PA news agency understands he has signed new terms that will last until 2029.

Romero, who appeared in Tottenham’s Europa League victory in May, stated, “I’m very happy here at the club.

For me, this is the best club in the world. “After winning the Europa League, it feels like a special season now. We want to win. Why not win again this season? Another trophy for the club is important to everyone.”

Bournemouth land Liverpool star

Bournemouth have completed the signing of winger Ben Doak from Premier League rivals Liverpool for up to £25 million. The 19-year-old Scottish international has agreed to a five-year contract.

Doak spent last season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough, where he scored three goals and provided seven assists in 24 appearances.

Bournemouth are said to have paid an initial £20 million and may spend an additional £5 million in add-ons as they reinvest some of the funds received from a series of lucrative summer transfers.

Martin undaunted by Rangers hopes of joining elite

Russell Martin insisted Rangers should not be concerned about joining Europe’s elite in this season’s Champions League as he rallied his players for the first leg of their play-off tie against Club Brugge at Ibrox.

The Gers have had a difficult start to the season, and it has been suggested that, after proving out of their depth when they last qualified in 2022, they are unprepared for the continent’s premier competition and would be better suited to the Europa League instead.

Martin dismissed any such notions and sees only positives in qualifying for the Champions League within three months of his appointment.

“I think the belief it would give the players would be massive,” he mentioned. “I believe it would have a significant financial impact on the football club.

“So I think if we were able to do it, which I really believe we can, if we can do it and qualify for it, I think it would be brilliant.” Forest continues to splash the cash.

Nottingham Forest’s summer spending has reached nearly £100 million in three days, with striker Arnaud Kalimuendo joining Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee at City Ground.

Kalimuendo has signed a five-year contract after Forest agreed to a £25 million deal with Rennes to sign the 23-year-old striker, who scored 18 goals for the Ligue 1 club last season.

The deal follows a weekend in which Forest spent a club record £37.5 million to sign Hutchinson from Ipswich and £30 million to sign midfielder McAtee from Manchester City.

“When I heard about Forest’s interest, I felt honoured,” Kalimuendo said. “This is a proud moment for me, joining a team who had a strong season last year and a club with great history.”

What’s on today?

Rangers will face Belgian side Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying round clash at Ibrox, hoping to move closer to a lucrative place in this season’s competition.

A busy League One schedule includes Stevenage’s attempt to extend the division’s last remaining perfect record to four games when they travel to Port Vale.

Crewe and Chesterfield look to maintain their winning streaks in League Two, with away games against Fleetwood and Gillingham.

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