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.
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Danny Jones -
19th August 2025 
