Leeds United marked their 'magical' return to the Premier League with some fittingly late, last-gasp action in a tense opening fixture that ended with a goal by debutant Lukas Nmecha.
More importantly, his contribution off the bench echoes an old fan favourite (albeit eventual villain to many) that could signal things to come.
After all, football has a funny way of drawing parallels even decades on...
In case you didn't see the dramatic tail end of the game, here is what happened:
While Everton defender James Tarkowski was left clearly aggrieved by the somewhat 'soft' penalty decision, to quote the pundits analysing on the night, not to mention Leeds being slightly fortunate, the spot-kick still proved to be enough.
As you can see, Nmecha has barely covered a blade of grass before he was eventually called upon to take the decisive shot, burying it into the bottom right-hand corner.
But arguably the most exciting part about the German-born attacker's instant impact is that he became the first Leeds player to score on their debut as a substitute since ex-striker Alan Smith.
Despite eventually ruffling feathers by making a then-all-too-familiar move to long-standing rivals Manchester United, plenty of supporters still look back on Smith's time at Elland Road with fondness.
His winning goal in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool away at Anfield way back in 1998 certainly remains a very happy memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rUsZabXX6I
He went from super sub to a £7m Man United signing in 2004 - big money back then.
It took Nmecha just two more minutes and about the same number of touches as it did Alan Smith to score his first Leeds goal, and the latter went on to score 53 more, as well as register 18 assists.
The Whites will be hoping for similar numbers or perhaps even better from the one-time Man City youth product and former Wolfsburg forward, who arrived as a free transfer this summer.
Speaking in his post-match interview after the full-time whistle, Nmecha did himself even more early favours by giving off all the right signals to Sky Sports' David Jones.
"We have amazing fans", said the 26-year-old, "It was very loud in here, electric, I don’t think I’ve felt something like this before."
It will be interesting to see whether he competes for a starting spot ahead of Joël Piroe (the penalty-taker he replaced on Monday night) or, indeed, Leeds' other new signing up at the top of the pitch.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Danny Jones -
19th August 2025 
