Anton Stach produced a spectacular late free-kick as Leeds United began their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The midfielder sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters after his superb set-piece transformed what looked destined to be a draw into three valuable opening-day points for Daniel Farke’s side.
The scenes at the final whistle were a dramatic contrast to Leeds’ previous visit to Nottingham in November 2025.
On that occasion, Lukas Nmecha gave the visitors an early lead before Forest responded with three goals to secure Sean Dyche’s first victory as manager.
That defeat increased concerns that Leeds could make an immediate return to the Championship, but nine months later the mood around the club could hardly be more different.
Farke’s team have now won five of their past eight Premier League matches, collecting 17 points during that period. Only Arsenal, with 18, have accumulated more since the beginning of April.
Farke was particularly pleased with the way his players handled a difficult opening fixture away from home, praising their defensive performance and clean sheet.
With several summer signings strengthening the squad and confidence continuing to grow, Leeds will hope their positive start is an indication that they can do more than simply fight against relegation this season.
Captain Ethan Ampadu insisted survival remains the immediate priority, but believes the club can set more ambitious targets once their Premier League status is secured.
Leeds eventually finished 14th last season, eight points clear of the relegation zone, but their return to the Premier League initially proved difficult.
They managed only three victories from their opening 13 matches while suffering eight defeats, placing considerable pressure on Farke and his squad.
A tactical adjustment proved crucial to their recovery.
Farke moved away from his 4-3-3 formation and introduced a 3-5-2 system during a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in late November.
Although Leeds lost that match, the change transformed their season.
They suffered only five more league defeats during the remainder of the campaign and comfortably secured survival.
Ampadu admitted Leeds were too easily overpowered during the opening months of last season and said the team are determined to be more difficult to play against this time around while maintaining their attacking identity.
Their victory at the City Ground was particularly encouraging given their struggles away from Elland Road last season. Leeds managed only two away victories throughout the entire 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Farke believes improving that record will be important, especially with the German expecting their second season back in the top flight to potentially provide an even greater challenge.
Leeds’ ambitions were reflected in their summer transfer activity after Farke publicly questioned whether he was the right manager to continue if the club could not match his ambitions.
The hierarchy responded by investing approximately £80m in new players, and several of those additions made encouraging contributions against Forest.
Three summer signings were included in the starting line-up, with goalkeeper James Trafford among the standout performers.
Leeds paid Manchester City £45m for Trafford, a record fee for a British goalkeeper, and he immediately demonstrated his value with several important saves to help preserve the clean sheet.
Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic also impressed.
As well as producing a composed defensive display, he demonstrated his threat from set-pieces by forcing Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels into action with a powerful header.
Harry Wilson, who arrived on a free transfer following an impressive campaign with Fulham in which he registered 10 goals and seven assists, also came close to scoring on his Leeds debut before his effort was ruled out for offside.
Ampadu praised the newcomers for immediately bringing quality, hunger and ambition into the squad, while Farke was equally encouraged by their performances.
Trafford and Muharemovic may still have limited Premier League experience, but both provided early evidence of why Leeds invested in them.
Wilson also delivered a promising performance as the positive atmosphere around the club continued to build.
Farke, now the Premier League’s third-longest-serving manager behind Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, appears to have assembled a squad capable of building on last season’s survival.
With the summer recruits already contributing and established players such as Stach continuing to produce decisive moments, Leeds have made the perfect start to a campaign in which they will hope to establish themselves firmly in the Premier League.
