Anton Stach delivered a dramatic finish for Leeds United, converting a long‑range free‑kick in the dying minutes to snatch 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, renowned 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 stranded. The strike exposed a lapse in Sels’ positioning and footwork, aspects he will undoubtedly review after the match.
The game was a study in how dead‑ball situations can dominate a tightly contested Premier League encounter. Both sides created the bulk of their chances from set pieces.
Early on, Igor Jesus offered Leeds a promising header that James Trafford saved, only to see Jesus attempt another powerful header moments later, which sailed over the bar. Forest’s Nikola Milenković rattled the post with a towering effort, while substitute Chris Wood, after a quick introduction, mis‑fired a chance that could have equalised.
The most notable defensive moment for Forest came when Sels produced a spectacular reflex save, punching away a header from Tarik Muharemović, momentarily restoring his reputation after the later goal. Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach in his post‑match interview, noting the German midfielder’s turbulent summer.
"He missed out on a Germany call‑up, suffered an injury on the final training day and had a challenging pre‑season. Yet over the last ten days his form improved, and he seized the opportunity when it mattered most," Farke said.
He added that the club’s ambition remains modest: "We aim for 40 points, we know we’re not among the elite yet. The last time Leeds enjoyed two solid top‑flight seasons was in an era captured only in black‑and‑white photographs. We must stay humble, avoid greed, and earn our place in the Premier League." Glasner, reflecting on his debut Premier League loss, acknowledged the fine margins that decided the match. "It was a very tight game with few clear chances, all coming from set‑pieces.
It was inevitable that one situation would settle it – and it was Leeds’ free‑kick," he explained. He highlighted that Forest had moments in the second half where they pressed higher and created opportunities, yet they failed to convert.
"We had a few chances, but luck favored Leeds. The players gave their all, and we will learn from this defeat. This is the start of our journey, and we will not bury our heads in the sand," Glasner added.
Key match moments included: - 17': A crucial save by James Trafford, denying Igor Jesus after a long throw from Ola Aina. - 18': VAR reviewed a challenge by Aina on James Justin, resulting only in a yellow card. - 25': Harry Wilson’s goal was ruled out for off‑side after a mis‑judged tap‑in. - 32': VAR intervened on a high challenge by Dominic Calvert‑Lewin on James McAtee, handing the striker a booking for reckless play.
- 40': Nikola Milenković flicked a cross onto the far post, only for Trafford to deny Jesus from close range. - 47': Leeds’ first shot on target, a strike from Brenden Aaronson, was saved by Sels. - 54': Jesus headed over from a prime position inside the box following Aina’s hanging cross. - 64': Chris Wood, four minutes after entering, sent a shot wide after a through ball from Murillo.
- 69': Sels produced a spectacular stop, denying Muharemović inside the area. - 88': Stach’s decisive free‑kick curled in at the near post, sealing the win. The result leaves Leeds in a better position as they chase their points target, while Forest must regroup after a disappointing start to Glasner’s tenure.
Both managers emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and maintaining a positive outlook. Leeds will look to build on this hard‑earned victory, while Forest hopes to translate the encouraging signs they displayed into future points. For fans wanting to relive the action, Premier League highlights are available on the Sky Sports app, and the match can also be streamed via the free highlights service. Additionally, the club’s promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million, with entries available at no cost.