Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest: Match Report & Analysis

Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest: Dominant Victory Boosts Survival Hopes

Leeds United produced a commanding performance under the Elland Road floodlights to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Friday, 6 February 2026. This result marked a significant step forward in their battle against relegation, extending their gap to nine points above the drop zone.

Daniel Farke’s side controlled large periods of the match, scoring twice in quick succession during the first half before adding a third shortly after the break. While Forest grabbed a late consolation, it did little to alter the outcome of what was effectively a six-pointer between two teams fighting for survival.

Tactical Analysis: Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest

Match Overview and Key Moments

The game kicked off with both sides aware of the stakes. Leeds and Nottingham Forest entered the fixture level on points and goal difference, making this clash pivotal for momentum in the lower reaches of the table.

Leeds broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Ilia Gruev found space on the right edge of the area and delivered a precise curling cross to the near post. Jayden Bogle arrived to finish clinically, giving the home side a deserved lead.

Just four minutes later, Leeds doubled their advantage. A James Justin shot was parried by the Forest goalkeeper, and from the rebound, the ball fell kindly for Noah Okafor, who buried his opportunity to make it 2-0. The goal ended Okafor’s 16-game Premier League scoring drought and sent the Elland Road crowd into raptures.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had already struck the crossbar with a powerful header earlier in the half. His persistence paid off early in the second period when, in the 49th minute, he cleverly chested home a Gruev delivery at the near post. The finish took the summer signing from Everton to 10 Premier League goals for the season — an impressive return for a player who joined on a free transfer.

Nottingham Forest managed a late reply in the 86th minute. Debutant Lorenzo Lucca rose highest to head home a consolation goal, but it came far too late to spark a comeback. Leeds held firm through six minutes of added time to claim a fully deserved three points.

Player Performances and Tactical Analysis

Leeds’ backline, marshalled by Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, remained largely solid despite occasional moments of pressure. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow made key interventions when called upon, while the midfield duo of Ilia Gruev and Brenden Aaronson provided energy and creativity.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a constant threat, combining physicality with intelligent movement. His goal-scoring form has been vital for Leeds since his arrival.

Noah Okafor showed sharpness in front of goal, while Jayden Bogle continued his strong season with another important contribution at both ends of the pitch.

For Nottingham Forest, the performance was disappointing. They struggled to create clear chances and looked vulnerable defensively during Leeds’ quickfire spell. The introduction of Lucca provided a spark late on, but overall, Forest were second best in most areas.

Daniel Farke’s tactical setup — pressing high when out of possession and utilising width through Bogle and Justin — worked effectively against a Forest side that appeared short on confidence.

What This Means for the Relegation Battle

Before the match, Farke stated that four more wins would likely secure Premier League survival. This victory counts as one of them, moving Leeds to 29 points from 25 games and into a much more comfortable position.

The nine-point cushion over the relegation places provides breathing room, especially with several tough fixtures still to come. Confidence at Elland Road is rising, and the fans’ backing was electric throughout.

For Nottingham Forest, the defeat ended a brief unbeaten run and left them just six points above the bottom three (having played a game more than some rivals). Pressure continues to mount on their campaign, with improvement needed quickly to avoid a return to the Championship.

Key Takeaways from the Fixture

Leeds have now won six home league games this season, showing strong form at Elland Road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 10 goals highlight his importance since joining from Everton.
Quickfire goals in the first half proved decisive and demoralised Forest early.
The result strengthens Leeds’ survival credentials while increasing the pressure on Forest.

This 3-1 success was not just three points — it was a statement of intent from Daniel Farke’s team. With belief growing and key players performing, Leeds look increasingly capable of securing their Premier League status for another season.