A Free‑Kick Winner for Leeds
Anton Stach’s 88th‑minute right‑foot strike from the edge of the box gave Leeds United a 1‑0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The goal, a direct free‑kick that curled past Matz Sels to the near post, was the first of Stach’s three direct free‑kick goals in the Premier League last season and the only one that has come against a Glasner‑coached side.
Glasner’s Debut Starts in Turmoil
Oliver Glasner, Nottingham Forest’s fifth head coach in less than a year, was in the technical area for the opening match of the 2024‑25 Premier League. The new manager had hoped to set a positive tone, but the team’s performance was underwhelming. Forest were unable to create clear chances and were left to defend a lead that never materialised.
Leeds’ Dominance and Key Moments
Leeds arrived with a strong pre‑season and a summer of high‑profile signings, including the £34m acquisition of Tarik Muharemovic. In the first half, Harry Wilson had a debut goal disallowed when the assistant referee flagged offside after a pass from Jayden Bogle. In the second half, Sels’ left‑hand block stopped Muharemovic’s header from finding the top corner.
Forest’s Tactical Adjustments
Glasner left Ousmane Diomande on the bench and introduced Xaver Schlager late in the game, but the change failed to alter the course of the match. Forest’s bench players, including Chris Wood and James McAtee, were unable to break the deadlock, and the team’s defensive lapses left them vulnerable to the late free‑kick.
Stach’s Reputation for Direct Free‑Kicks
Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised Stach’s ability to deliver direct free‑kicks, noting that the German midfielder had previously surprised him with his set‑piece prowess. Farke highlighted the importance of set‑pieces in modern football, citing examples from the past and stressing that effective dead‑ball delivery remains a key factor in the game.
Looking Ahead
With the Carabao Cup rematch scheduled for Tuesday, Forest will need to regroup quickly. Glasner’s comments after the match suggested that he was aware of the need for a stronger start: “It was an OK performance from both teams – a typical first Premier League game after a long break and this is also now not the time to bury our heads into the sand.”
The match ended 1‑0 in favour of Leeds, with Stach’s free‑kick the decisive moment. Forest will look to correct their defensive issues and build momentum for the next fixture.
