Anton Stach delivered a dramatic finish for Leeds United, converting a long‑range free‑kick in the dying minutes to clinch a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The goal not only handed Leeds three points but also marked manager Oliver Glasner's first Premier League defeat in charge of the Reds.
As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, the match appeared destined to end in a goalless stalemate. Leeds earned a dangerous set‑piece just outside the penalty area, and Stach, renowned for his proficiency from dead‑ball situations, stepped up. He struck the ball with precision, sending it curling over the wall and into the near post where Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels was caught flat‑footed. The ball slipped through a narrow gap and hit the back of the net, leaving the home crowd stunned and the visitors ecstatic.
Sels will now have to reflect on his positioning and footwork in that moment, as a fraction of a second made the difference between heroics and heartbreak. The Belgian keeper had been solid for much of the game, pulling off a crucial hand‑ball save to deny Tarik Muharemovic's header and making several routine saves, but the free‑kick proved unforgivable. The match was a showcase for set‑piece football. The most promising opportunities for both sides emerged from dead‑ball situations rather than open play.
Leeds' Igor Jesus headed a James Trafford‑saved attempt in the first half and later nodded a decent chance over the bar early in the second half. Forest's Nikola Milenkovič struck the post, while substitute Chris Wood, after being released by Murillo, sent a well‑placed shot wide of the target. The most notable defensive effort came from Sels, who leapt to palm away Muharemovic's powerful header, momentarily restoring Forest's hopes before the decisive free‑kick. The post‑match commentary highlighted the pivotal role of set‑pieces.
Sky Sports analysts noted that the game’s decisive moments—both the goal and the key saves—originated from dead‑ball scenarios, underscoring the importance of rehearsed routines and specialist takers. Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach in his interview with Sky Sports.
He recalled a challenging pre‑season for the German midfielder, who missed a call‑up for the national team, suffered an injury on the final matchday, and struggled to hit top form early in the campaign. "He has improved dramatically in the last ten days," Farke said.
"When you have a player who steps up and scores the winning goal, it feels great." Farke also emphasized the long‑term objectives for Leeds, noting the club must aim for at least 40 points to secure Premier League survival. He reflected on the club’s historic periods of stability in the top flight, recalling that those successful seasons are captured only in black‑and‑white photographs, not on modern smartphones. "We must stay humble, not greedy, and work hard to earn our place in the league," he added. Oliver Glasner, Forest’s head coach, also spoke to Sky Sports.
He described the contest as tightly contested, with few clear chances and most opportunities arising from set‑pieces. "It was a very tight game, very few chances. Every chance was from set pieces. It was clear one situation would decide the game or it would end 0‑0," Glasner explained.
He lamented that the decisive moment favored Leeds, acknowledging Stach’s reputation as a free‑kick specialist. Glasner noted that Forest improved in the second half, pressing higher up the pitch and creating a handful of scoring opportunities, but they failed to convert.
He praised his squad’s effort, intensity, and resilience, emphasizing that the defeat provides a learning experience. "We are at the beginning of this journey and not burying our heads in the sand," he said.
"I saw many encouraging signs today, and we will build on them moving forward." Key match moments, as highlighted by the broadcast, included: - A spectacular save by James Trafford, denying Igor Jesus from a long throw‑in. - A VAR review of Ola Aina’s challenge on James Justin, resulting in a yellow card.
- A disallowed goal by Harry Wilson after an off‑side decision involving Dominic Calvert‑Lewin. - A booking for Calvert‑Lewin after a high challenge on James McAtee. - Nikola Milenković’s header that rattled the far post, followed by a save from Trafford.
- Brenden Aaronson’s first Leeds shot on target, saved by Sels. - Multiple missed chances by Jesus, Wood, and others, illustrating the scarcity of clear-cut opportunities.
- The decisive free‑kick by Stach at the 88th minute, curling into the near post. Beyond the on‑field action, the match featured promotional content encouraging viewers to watch Premier League highlights for free and to use the Sky Sports app for live coverage. A Super 6 competition was also advertised, offering a chance to win £1 million. In summary, Anton Stach’s late free‑kick not only secured three points for Leeds United but also highlighted the fine margins that decide Premier League fixtures.
Both managers recognized the importance of set‑piece proficiency, the need for continued improvement, and the broader objectives each club faces as they navigate the challenges of England’s top flight.