Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his resurgent form, scoring his 10th Premier League goal of the season as Leeds United secured a vital 3-1 victory over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on night. The win moves Leeds nine points clear of the drop zone, easing some of the pressure as the season enters a crucial phase.
The match, played under the lights in West Yorkshire, saw a dominant performance from Daniel Farke’s side, punctuated by quickfire goals from Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor in the first half. While Forest substitute Lorenzo Lucca managed a late consolation on his debut, the damage was already done, leaving Sean Dyche’s team facing an increasingly precarious position.
The opening exchanges were frantic, with both teams recognizing the significance of the encounter. Forest, arriving at Elland Road with a recent upturn in form, created early opportunities. Karl Darlow, the Leeds goalkeeper, was called into action to deny Nicolas Domínguez, showcasing his shot-stopping ability. However, Leeds quickly asserted their control, with Calvert-Lewin’s header striking the underside of the crossbar – a warning sign for the Forest defense.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute. Ilia Gruev’s perfectly weighted through-ball found Bogle, who calmly slotted the ball past Stefan Ortega, the Forest goalkeeper making his Premier League debut for the club. Just four minutes later, Leeds doubled their advantage. Ortega initially saved James Justin’s shot, but Okafor was on hand to convert the rebound, sending the Elland Road faithful into raptures.
Forest struggled to respond after falling behind. Their reshuffled defense, necessitated by injuries to key players, looked vulnerable and they lacked the cutting edge to trouble the Leeds backline consistently. Igor Jesus headed wide, a rare moment of threat for the visitors, but Leeds remained firmly in control.
The second half saw Leeds quickly extend their lead. In the 49th minute, Gruev was given space on the right flank to deliver a curling cross, which Calvert-Lewin expertly chested home. The goal not only showcased the striker’s predatory instincts but also marked his 10th league goal of the season, solidifying his importance to the Leeds attack.
Despite the comfortable lead, Leeds continued to press, demonstrating a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. Daniel James, returning from a hamstring injury, made a substitute appearance, adding further energy to the attack. Forest, however, refused to surrender completely.
Lucca, introduced as a substitute, provided a glimmer of hope for Forest in the 86th minute, heading home Omari Hutchinson’s cross. But Darlow was again on hand to deny Ibrahim Sangare, ensuring that Forest’s late rally would not yield a comeback.
The result is a significant boost for Leeds, who have now collected 22 of their 29 points at Elland Road. Farke’s side are now level on points with Crystal Palace and Tottenham, and crucially, have opened up a nine-point gap between themselves and West Ham, who face a difficult trip to Burnley on . A positive result for West Ham would narrow the gap, but Leeds have established a crucial buffer in the relegation battle.
For Nottingham Forest, the defeat is a setback. They remain six points above West Ham, but the manner of the performance will be a cause for concern. The team’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, and their inability to create clear-cut chances proved costly. Dyche acknowledged the poor quality of the goals conceded, highlighting the need for improvement in basic defensive principles.
The win for Leeds represents more than just three points; it’s a statement of intent. Elland Road has become a fortress, and if Leeds can maintain their home form, they will have a strong chance of securing Premier League survival. The atmosphere under the lights clearly fuels the team, and the collective response to each goal demonstrated a newfound unity and determination. While the job is far from done, this victory could prove to be a defining moment in Leeds’ season.
Player of the Match honors went to Ilia Gruev, whose vision and passing range were instrumental in Leeds’ attacking success. His assist for Bogle’s goal was a highlight, and his cross for Calvert-Lewin’s goal showcased his ability to deliver quality service into the box.
