Anton Stach produced a stunning late free-kick to snatch all three points for Leeds, handing Oliver Glasner his first Premier League defeat as Nottingham Forest manager in a dramatic 1-0 victory at the City Ground.
With the match seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Leeds found a moment of inspiration from a set piece. Stach stepped up from long range and delivered a superb free-kick that caught Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels completely off guard.
The effort found a narrow gap at the near post, leaving Sels with little time to react as the ball flew into the net. It was a decisive moment in a game where opportunities had been limited and neither side had managed to establish clear control for long periods.
For Forest, the goal will raise questions about Sels’ positioning and footwork. The Belgian goalkeeper appeared to be positioned too far from the near post, allowing Stach to exploit the smallest of openings. After producing a largely composed performance, Forest were ultimately punished by one lapse at a crucial moment.
For Leeds, however, it was another example of the importance of having a reliable set-piece specialist. Stach’s ability to produce quality from a dead-ball situation proved decisive and ensured the visitors left the City Ground with a valuable Premier League victory.
Set Pieces Prove Decisive for Leeds
It was perhaps no surprise that a set piece ultimately decided the contest, given that some of the best opportunities of the game came from dead-ball situations.
Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus had two particularly good headed chances. His first opportunity came in the opening half, when he connected well with a cross but saw his effort denied by Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford.
Forest continued to search for an opening after the interval, and Jesus was presented with another promising opportunity just minutes into the second half. The forward rose to meet the delivery but could only direct his header over the crossbar.
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Those missed chances proved costly as Forest struggled to find another clear route to goal. Leeds, meanwhile, remained disciplined and continued to threaten from set pieces, eventually getting their reward through Stach’s spectacular free-kick.
The result will be particularly frustrating for Glasner, who had hoped to begin his Premier League tenure with a positive result. Forest had done enough defensively to keep Leeds relatively quiet for much of the contest, but their inability to convert their best opportunities left them vulnerable to a late winner.
Leeds Show Composure to Find a Winner
Leeds deserve credit for remaining patient despite failing to break Forest down during the majority of the match. Rather than becoming frustrated as the clock ran down, the visitors continued to look for opportunities and ultimately found their breakthrough through individual quality.
Stach’s free-kick was the perfect example. The midfielder displayed confidence and technique to attempt the ambitious effort, while the accuracy of the strike made it extremely difficult for Sels to keep out once it found the gap at the near post.
For Leeds, the victory provides an important boost as they continue their Premier League campaign. Winning away from home is rarely straightforward, particularly against a Forest side capable of creating dangerous moments from crosses and set pieces.
James Trafford also played his part, making the important first-half save from Jesus. That intervention helped keep Leeds level and ensured they remained within touching distance of a victory when the opportunity eventually arrived.
Forest will look back on the result with plenty of frustration. Their best chance of taking something from the game may have been to make more of their opportunities, particularly Jesus’ two headed efforts.
Ultimately, though, Leeds made the most of their decisive moment. Stach’s late strike turned a tight and cagey encounter into a memorable away win, while Forest were left to reflect on missed chances and a costly defensive lapse.
For Leeds, it was a night when patience, set-piece quality and individual brilliance combined to deliver three points from the City Ground.
Source: Skysports
