Leeds eased some of the tension around Elland Road with a 3–1 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Friday night, a result that nudges Daniel Farke’s side further away from the bottom three. In a clash between 16th and 17th, Leeds built a decisive 2–0 lead by half-time and added a third just after the interval before a late Forest response. The victory moves Leeds onto firmer ground in the relegation battle, while Sean Dyche’s Forest missed a chance to close the gap on a direct rival.
First-half analysis
The first half belonged to Leeds on the scoreboard and, crucially, in the key moments. Lining up in a 3-4-2-1, Farke’s side broke the deadlock on 26 minutes when J. Bogle struck the opener, finishing a move created by midfielder I. Gruev. That early breakthrough settled Leeds and gave structure to their game against Forest’s 4-2-3-1.
Just four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. In the 30th minute, N. Okafor made it 2–0, with defender J. Justin providing the assist. With no first-half cards or substitutions, the pattern was largely set: Leeds were clinical when chances came, while Forest failed to translate their efforts into a response before the interval. The 2–0 half-time score reflected Leeds’ sharper edge in both penalty areas rather than any overwhelming dominance in general play.
Second half & tactical shifts
Forest emerged from the break needing a reaction but were quickly hit again. On 49 minutes, D. Calvert-Lewin added a third for Leeds, once more with Gruev involved as provider. At 3–0, Farke’s game plan had been fully vindicated, with his front three all on the scoresheet and the central midfield platform proving decisive.
Sean Dyche responded with a double change on 54 minutes, clearly seeking more attacking punch. Forward Igor Jesus was withdrawn for L. Lucca, and midfielder N. Dominguez made way for O. Hutchinson. The intent was to add fresh energy and more direct threat in the final third.
The game’s temperature rose just after the hour. In the 61st minute, Leeds forward Noah Okafor was booked for a foul, followed a minute later by a yellow card for Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré, also for a foul. Dyche continued to chase the game with further changes on 67 minutes: C. Hudson-Odoi went off for D. Ndoye, and key creator M. Gibbs-White was replaced by R. Yates, a switch that suggested a mix of fresh legs and a different midfield balance. Forest’s final roll of the dice came on 76 minutes when right-back Z. Abbott was taken off and L. Netz came on, adding another new option down the flank.
Farke, protecting a commanding lead, turned to his bench later. On 78 minutes, B. Aaronson was replaced by D. James, injecting pace for transitions. Four minutes later, at 82', Okafor made way for midfielder S. Longstaff, a more conservative move to shore up the centre. Forest finally found a lifeline on 86 minutes: substitute L. Lucca scored, assisted by fellow substitute O. Hutchinson, rewarding Dyche’s earlier double change. Leeds’ last substitution came deep into stoppage time at 90+6', with goalscorer J. Bogle going off for defender S. Bornauw to see out the contest.
Statistical deep dive
The numbers underline how balanced much of the play was, despite the scoreline. Leeds controlled 56% of the ball, with Nottingham Forest conceding possession at 44%. Farke’s team also posted the better passing metrics, completing 398 of 477 passes at 83% accuracy, compared with Forest’s 274 of 350 at 78%. That extra control in midfield allowed Leeds to manage the game once ahead.
In attack, Forest actually attempted more shots overall, with 16 total efforts to Leeds’ 14, and even edged shots on target 6–5. Yet Leeds were significantly more ruthless. Backed by an expected goals figure of 2.5, the hosts converted three of their five shots on goal. Forest’s xG of 1.33 and a single goal from six efforts on target highlight their relative inefficiency in front of goal. Both goalkeepers finished with modest save counts — five for K. Darlow and two for S. Ortega — reflecting that chances were shared but Leeds’ finishing was sharper.
Discipline was relatively controlled, though the game had its competitive edge. Leeds committed 9 fouls to Forest’s 12, and each side received one yellow card, both for fouls just after the hour. There were no red cards, and the match never tipped into chaos despite the high stakes.
Standings & implications
The win lifts Leeds to 29 points with a goal difference of -9 after 25 matches, keeping them 16th but, more importantly, putting daylight between themselves and the immediate danger zone. Their home record, now 6 wins from 13 at Elland Road, is becoming the backbone of their survival push. Nottingham Forest remain 17th on 26 points with a -13 goal difference, having now lost 13 league games. With only three points separating the sides and both still in the lower reaches, this result feels like a six-pointer that Leeds have seized, leaving Dyche’s Forest under renewed pressure to respond in the coming weeks.
