Leeds United snatched a dramatic 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, with Anton Stach’s superb free-kick in the 88th minute finally separating two closely contested sides.
Forest had more of the ball and edged the shot count, enjoying 55.1 per cent possession while attempting 12 efforts to Leeds’ 11. But the home side could not turn their territorial advantage into a breakthrough, putting only two shots on target.
The opening half was tight and increasingly physical. Ola Aina was booked for Forest in the 18th minute, while Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin went into the referee’s notebook in the 32nd minute. Neither side found the decisive final pass before the interval, and the match remained goalless at half-time.
Forest continued to press after the restart, although Leeds stayed disciplined and carried a threat of their own. Jair Paula received a yellow card in the 52nd minute as the contest remained finely balanced, with both defences limiting clear openings.
Just as the fixture appeared destined to end level, Leeds found the moment of quality it had lacked for much of the afternoon. Anton Stach stepped up in the 88th minute and converted directly from a free-kick, sending the away support into celebration and leaving Forest with little time to respond.
Leeds finished with three shots on target and made their late set-piece opportunity count to secure all three points. Forest will look to respond when they face Liverpool next Saturday, while Leeds host Brentford on Sunday, August 30.
Key match details
- Result: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United
- Goal: Anton Stach 88′
- Half-time: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Leeds United
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
- Attendance: 30,739
