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 Oliver Glasner's first Premier League defeat as Forest's head coach. As the match edged 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 near post, catching Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels completely off balance. The Belgian custodian, who had been solid for most of the game, was left to rue his positioning and footwork in the moments leading up to the goal. The match was largely defined by set‑piece opportunities. Early on, Leeds’ Igor Jesus created two notable chances with his aerial ability.
The first was thwarted by a reflex save from Forest’s James Trafford, while the second saw Jesus head the ball over the bar shortly after the interval. For Forest, defender Nikola Milenković rattled the post with a close‑range effort, and substitute Chris Wood, after being introduced, missed a clear opening, underscoring the scarcity of clear‑cut chances for both sides. Sels, however, produced a moment of brilliance when he leapt to punch away a dangerous header from Tarik Muharemović, demonstrating why he had been praised earlier in the game. That save briefly elevated him to hero status before his later lapse proved costly.
The shift from saviour to the man who conceded the winner encapsulated the fine margins that often decide Premier League fixtures. The game featured several notable incidents captured in the broadcast highlights.
At the 17th minute, James Trafford made a smart save to deny Igor Jesus, who had headed Ola Aina’s long throw into the net. A VAR review at the 18th minute examined a challenge by Aina on James Justin, resulting only in a yellow card for the Forest defender. Later, a disallowed goal for Leeds was reviewed when Harry Wilson tapped in a cross from Jayden Bogle while offside; the decision stood, confirming the goal would not count.
Further VAR scrutiny came at the 32nd minute when Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin received a booking for a high challenge on James McAtee, deemed reckless by the officials. The match also saw Nikola Milenković’s effort flicked onto the far post by a James McAtee cross, only for Trafford to deny Igor Jesus from close range shortly thereafter.
Leeds’ first genuine shot on target arrived in the 47th minute when Brenden Aaronson cut inside and struck, only for Sels to produce another crucial save. Igor Jesus then missed a prime header from a hanging cross by Aina at the 54th minute, and Chris Wood, four minutes after entering the fray, sent a well‑placed ball wide of the goal.
The decisive moment unfolded in the 88th minute. Stach, taking a very wide free‑kick, curled the ball toward the near post with precision, beating Sels and sending the Leeds bench into celebration. The goal broke the deadlock and ultimately decided the match.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports, acknowledging the midfielder’s difficult summer. "I'm delighted with Stach. The summer was not the easiest for him.
He missed the Germany call‑up, suffered an injury on the last game day and had a tricky pre‑season. He wasn’t at his best in the first weeks, but over the last ten days he showed improvement and earned his place.
When you’re there with the decisive goal, it feels great," Farke explained. He added that Leeds still face a long journey, aiming for 40 points to secure their Premier League status, and emphasized humility and patience as the club seeks to establish itself at the top level. Glasner, reflecting on the defeat, noted the tight nature of the contest and the prevalence of set‑piece chances.
"It was a very tight game, very few chances. Every chance came from set pieces.
It was clear one situation would decide the game or it would end 0‑0. Unfortunately it was for Leeds and a direct free‑kick for Stach. We knew he is a good taker, so it’s disappointing," he said.
He highlighted that Forest had periods of better play in the second half, creating a few opportunities that ultimately went unconverted. Glasner remained optimistic, citing the hard work and intensity shown by his players and stressing that the team would learn from the loss as they continue their early season development. The match also featured a promotional reminder for fans: Sky Sports viewers could watch Premier League games via the Sky Sports app, and free highlights were available online.
Additionally, a Super 6 competition offered a chance to win £1 million, encouraging fan engagement beyond the on‑field action. Overall, the encounter illustrated how a single set‑piece can swing a tightly contested fixture, rewarding Leeds' specialist and leaving Forest to regroup after a narrow setback.
Both managers stressed the importance of consistency, resilience, and learning from each performance as the season progresses.