Anton Stach's stunning late free-kick secured a 1-0 victory for Leeds United against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 22 August 2026, marking a dramatic reversal from their previous meeting at the City Ground. The jubilation that followed stood in sharp contrast to the despair of November 2025, when Forest had inflicted a 3-1 defeat that deepened fears of a swift return to the Championship.
That earlier loss came under Sean Dyche's management and appeared to signal the beginning of Forest's revival under their third manager of the previous campaign. Yet nine months later, it is Leeds who possess all the momentum, having collected 17 points from their last eight league matches—a haul surpassed only by Arsenal's 18 points since the start of April.
Manager Daniel Farke's side finished 14th last season, eight points clear of the relegation zone, but their path to safety was far from smooth. They won only three of their opening 13 games and lost eight as pressure mounted on both manager and players. A tactical shift from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2, implemented during a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 29 November, proved transformative. From that point forward, Leeds lost only five more times for the remainder of the campaign.
Determined not to repeat the struggles of their opening months, Leeds have entered the new season with renewed ambition.
I expected a difficult game away at Forest. I'm very happy to come away with a cleansheet and compliments to the players.Farke said after the victory.
Building on a stronger foundation
Leeds won just two away matches during the entire 2025-26 campaign, making their triumph at the City Ground particularly significant. The club's captain, Ethan Ampadu, acknowledged the lessons learned from last season's struggles.
There were times in the first half of last year where we allowed teams to run over us a bit. We wanted to get a bit more solid and put our stamp on the game. We want the ball, we want to be attacking and creative.
Farke echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for greater consistency on the road.
Away games in Premier League are always difficult. Sometimes the second year is more difficult. Last season, we picked up many points with draws. On the road, we want to be competitive and be more effective.
The manager had previously threatened to leave the club if the hierarchy failed to match his ambition in the transfer market. The board responded by investing approximately £80 million in new signings during the summer, and three of those arrivals featured in the Forest opener with encouraging early displays.
New signings deliver immediate promise
Goalkeeper James Trafford, signed from Manchester City for £45 million—a British record transfer fee for a goalkeeper—made three decisive saves on his Leeds debut. Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic impressed both defensively and as a set-piece threat, testing Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels with a powerful header.
Harry Wilson, who joined on a free transfer after scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists for Fulham in the previous season, nearly marked his debut with a goal before being denied by an offside decision.
Ampadu praised the immediate impact of the new arrivals.
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 shared his captain's optimism about the summer signings.
I am very happy because they have big boots to fill. Trafford is a good player but he hasn't played that many Premier League games, Tarik too. So they both shined and showed why we agreed to sign them, but the whole group was excellent today. Wilson too was excellent. The vibe and mood is good around the place.Farke is now the third-longest-serving manager in the Premier League after Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Aston Villa's Unai Emery.
Ambitions beyond mere survival
With new signings making an immediate impact and established players such as Stach continuing to deliver, Leeds have genuine reason to believe this season could represent their best yet under Farke. Ampadu articulated the club's elevated expectations.
We know our targets and goals. We want to be a Premier League club next season. We want to achieve that target and then get to a better place. Once that can be achieved, we think of everything else.
The contrast with their previous campaign is stark. Last season saw Leeds navigate a precarious position before stabilizing through tactical adjustment and improved performances. This time, they have entered the campaign with a settled squad, significant investment in key positions, and a clear sense of purpose.
What comes next
Leeds face a demanding fixture schedule in the coming weeks. According to the club's official fixtures list, they will play three competitive matches in eight days: the Carabao Cup second-round tie away at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday 25 August 2026, followed by their first home league match against Brentford at Elland Road on Sunday 30 August 2026. This congested schedule will test the depth of Farke's squad early in the season.
The Forest cup tie comes just three days after the league opener, while the Brentford fixture follows four days later. Leeds' preparation for these matches will be crucial as they attempt to build on their opening-day success and establish themselves as genuine contenders rather than mere survivors in the Premier League.
