Anton Stach delivered a dramatic finish for Leeds United, netting a decisive free‑kick in the dying minutes to earn a 1‑0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The goal not only handed Leeds three points but also marked manager Oliver Glasner's first Premier League defeat in charge of Forest. As the match slipped toward a stalemate, Leeds earned a free‑kick just outside the penalty area.
Stach, known for his proficiency from dead‑ball situations, stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike that slipped through the gap at the near post, catching Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels completely off‑balance. The Belgian keeper, who had been solid for much of the game, will now have to examine his positioning and footwork, as his lapse directly contributed to the winning goal. The match was largely defined by set‑piece opportunities. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances from open play, and the most threatening moments came from dead‑ball scenarios.
Early on, Leeds forward Igor Jesus rose high to meet a cross, only to see his header saved by Forest's James Trafford. Minutes later, Jesus managed another aerial attempt, this time mis‑directing the ball over the bar. Forest also had their share of near‑misses. Defender Nikola Milenković struck the post after a well‑timed run, while substitute striker Chris Wood, after being set up by Murillo, sent a shot wide of the target.
The most notable save of the afternoon belonged to Matz Sels, who denied Tarik Muharemović with an impressive fingertip parry inside the box. Sels' performance swung dramatically from hero to scapegoat as the game progressed, underscoring the fine margins in top‑flight football.
Key moments captured in the broadcast included: - A smart save by James Trafford when Igor Jesus headed Ola Aina's long throw on target (minute 17). - A VAR review of an Aina challenge on James Justin, resulting only in a yellow card (minute 18). - A disallowed goal for Harry Wilson after an off‑side call, despite the ball being tapped in by Dominic Calvert‑Lewin (minute 25). - A booking for Calvert‑Lewin after VAR deemed his challenge on James McAtee reckless (minute 32).
- Nikola Milenković's effort that rattled the far post, followed by Trafford denying another close‑range attempt by Jesus (minute 40). - A save by Sels from Brenden Aaronson's first Leeds shot on target (minute 47). - Jesus missing a header from a well‑placed cross by Aina (minute 54). - Chris Wood's wide effort shortly after coming on (minute 64).
- Sels' spectacular stop on Muharemović's strike (minute 69). - Finally, Stach's curling free‑kick that found the near post and settled the match (minute 88). Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach in his post‑match interview with Sky Sports.
He highlighted the German midfielder's difficult summer, noting that Stach missed a call‑up for the national team, suffered an injury on the final day of the previous season, and endured a challenging pre‑season. Farke observed that Stach's form improved in the latter stages of the campaign, culminating in the decisive goal. He also reminded fans that Leeds must aim for around 40 points to secure their Premier League status, emphasizing humility and a realistic outlook given the club's historic achievements.
Oliver Glasner, Forest’s head coach, reflected on the narrow defeat, describing the game as “very tight” with few clear chances, all stemming from set pieces. He acknowledged Stach’s reputation as a free‑kick specialist and expressed disappointment at the outcome. Glasner noted that his side performed better in the second half, creating a few opportunities but failing to convert them, and described the loss as a “lucky punch” for Leeds.
Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, commending his players’ effort and intensity, and stressed that the team is learning and building a foundation for the season ahead. The match also featured promotional content, inviting viewers to watch Premier League games via the Sky Sports app and highlighting free highlights.
Additionally, a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million was mentioned. Overall, the fixture underscored the importance of set‑piece proficiency in the Premier League, where a single well‑executed free‑kick can turn a hard‑fought draw into a vital victory. Leeds will look to build on this win as they chase their points target, while Forest must regroup after a narrow defeat that exposed their reliance on set‑piece chances and the need for sharper defensive organization in open play.