Anton Stach strikes late free-kick as Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 1-0

Late decider at the City Ground

Leeds United earned a 1-0 away victory over Nottingham Forest in their opening fixture of the Premier League season on Saturday. Midfielder Anton Stach decided the contest in the 88th minute, curling a right-footed free-kick from the left side of the penalty area past goalkeeper Matz Sels into the near corner after drawing a foul from Nikola Milenkovic. The result provided Leeds with an opening-day win on the road following a season in which manager Daniel Farke sought improved efficiency away from Elland Road. The two clubs will meet again at the City Ground on Tuesday, 25 August, in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Key moments and disallowed opener

Both sides struggled to create clear chances in a tight opening period, though Leeds appeared to take the lead near the 30-minute mark when Harry Wilson finished Jayden Bogle's low cross at the end of a swift counter-attack. The effort was ruled out for offside, and Forest defender Ola Aina later avoided sanction following a video assistant referee review for a heavy challenge on James Justin. Forest finished the first half with their best opportunity when Jair Cunha struck the post after a scramble in the Leeds box. Ten minutes into the second half, Igor Jesus headed wide from an Aina cross, before Sels denied a header from Leeds defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 70th minute.

Transfer investment and debut performances

The result validated Leeds's summer transfer activity, which saw the club hierarchy commit roughly £80m to new signings after Farke voiced demands for squad reinforcement at the end of the previous season. Three new recruits started the match, including goalkeeper James Trafford, signed from Manchester City for a British record fee for a goalkeeper of £45m, alongside Muharemovic and free transfer arrival Wilson. Club captain Ethan Ampadu spoke about the contribution of the newcomers following the final whistle.

From the very first minute they walked into the building, they have shown their quality. They have shown why they have been brought in to try and help us get to the next level. They've shown that hunger and drive to take Leeds to a better place so that has been very good.

Farke, the third-longest-serving manager in the division behind Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery, noted that Trafford and Muharemovic performed effectively despite their lack of extensive Premier League experience.

Managerial transition at Nottingham Forest

The defeat spoiled the Forest debut of manager Oliver Glasner, who took charge as the club's fifth head coach in less than a calendar year. Glasner was appointed following the dismissals of Sean Dyche, whose tenure ended after 114 days in February, and Vitor Pereira, who was sacked despite guiding Forest to top-flight safety and the Europa League semi-finals. Unlike Leeds, Forest started without any summer signings, naming eight players from the lineup that opened the previous season under Nuno Espirito Santo.

There is no button to press. There are still a lot of things to do. It was pretty clear I can't come with my staff and we lay the hands on the shoulder, and all of a sudden we play like Real Madrid in the 70s. That was clear but I could see a team who worked very hard to get the win.

Forest introduced summer signings Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager with 17 minutes remaining, while adapting to the loss of midfielder Elliot Anderson, who moved to Manchester City in July for £116m.