Anton Stach delivered a dramatic finish for Leeds United, converting a long‑range free‑kick in the dying minutes to earn a 1‑0 win at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. The goal not only handed Leeds three points but also handed Oliver Glasner his first Premier League defeat as Forest manager.

As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, the match appeared destined for a goalless stalemate. Leeds earned a free‑kick just outside the penalty area, and Stach, known for his set‑piece prowess, stepped up. He struck the ball with precision, sending it curling over the wall and into the near post, leaving Forest keeper Matz Sels rooted to the spot.

The strike was a textbook example of timing, technique, and composure under pressure, and it proved decisive. Sels, who had been solid for much of the game, will now have to review his positioning and footwork on that particular set piece. The Belgian international’s error proved costly, turning a potential clean sheet into a loss. The match had already produced several notable moments, many of which stemmed from dead‑ball situations rather than open play.

In the first half, Igor Jesus created two significant chances, both involving his aerial ability. The first was saved by Forest’s young goalkeeper James Trafford, while the second saw Jesus head the ball over the bar shortly after the interval.

Nikola Milenković, Forest’s centre‑back, struck the post in a promising attack, and substitute Chris Wood also forced a wide effort, but the most impressive save of the day came from Sels when he tipped Tarik Muharemović’s header onto the crossbar with a well‑timed hand. The match narrative was heavily influenced by set pieces. A series of VAR checks punctuated the game: a lunge by Ola Aina on James Justin resulted only in a yellow card, while Harry Wilson’s goal was ruled out for off‑side after a careful review. Dominic Calvert‑Lewin received a booking for a reckless challenge on James McAtee, highlighting the physical intensity of the encounter.

Key moments included: - 17 minutes: Igor Jesus headed Ola Aina’s long throw, but James Trafford made a smart save. - 18 minutes: VAR reviewed Aina’s challenge on James Justin; the defender escaped with a caution.

- 25 minutes: Harry Wilson’s tap‑in from Jayden Bogle’s cross was disallowed for off‑side. - 32 minutes: VAR intervened on Calvert‑Lewin’s high challenge, resulting in a yellow card.

- 40 minutes: Nikola Milenković flicked a James McAtee cross onto the far post; Trafford denied Igor Jesus from close range. - 47 minutes: Leeds’ first on‑target effort saw Brenden Aaronson’s shot saved by Sels. - 54 minutes: Igor Jesus headed over from a good position after Ola Aina’s hanging cross. - 64 minutes: Chris Wood, after just four minutes on the pitch, shot wide following a pass from Murillo.

- 69 minutes: Sels produced a spectacular stop to deny Tarik Muharemović inside the box. - 88 minutes: Anton Stach curled a very wide free‑kick into the near post, securing the win. Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach’s contribution in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports.

He highlighted the midfielder’s difficult summer, noting that Stach missed out on a Germany call‑up and struggled with injury and a challenging pre‑season. Farke observed that Stach’s form improved in the final ten days, culminating in the decisive goal. He emphasized the club’s realistic targets, stating that Leeds aim to collect around 40 points to cement their Premier League status, and warned against complacency, recalling the club’s historic successes before the digital age. Oliver Glasner, Forest’s head coach, reflected on the tight nature of the contest.

He acknowledged that most chances originated from set pieces and that the match could easily have ended 0‑0. Glasner expressed disappointment that the free‑kick went against his side, but he remained optimistic, pointing to the team’s work rate, intensity, and the encouraging signs despite the loss.

He stressed that the club is still at the beginning of its journey in the top flight and that learning from defeat is essential. Beyond the on‑field action, the broadcast included promotional messages encouraging viewers to watch Premier League games on the Sky Sports app and to view free highlights.

The match also featured a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, underscoring the commercial side of modern football. In summary, Anton Stach’s late free‑kick was the defining moment of a closely contested fixture that showcased the importance of set‑piece execution, goalkeeper positioning, and tactical discipline.

Leeds secured three points, while Nottingham Forest will regroup under Glasner, focusing on the positives and the lessons learned as they continue their Premier League campaign.