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Leeds United left it late to secure a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, with Anton Stach producing a decisive free-kick in the closing stages at the City Ground.
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The defeat gave Oliver Glasner a frustrating start to his first Premier League match in charge of Forest after taking over during a period of major managerial upheaval.
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Forest now face Leeds again at the same stadium in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, giving Glasner an immediate opportunity to respond to Saturday’s setback.
August 22, (THEWILL) — Nottingham Forest’s new era under Oliver Glasner began with disappointment as Leeds United secured a narrow victory through a late Anton Stach goal at the City Ground.
The visitors appeared set to leave with a point after a closely fought Premier League opener, but Stach produced the decisive moment with only two minutes remaining to give Leeds a 1-0 win.
The result handed Glasner a losing start in his first league game as Forest manager and extended the pressure on a club that endured an extraordinary amount of managerial change last season.
Forest went through four managers during the 2025-26 campaign before turning to Glasner in the summer.
The Austrian was brought in with the expectation that he could provide the stability and organisation that had been missing during a turbulent period.
However, Leeds ensured that his first Premier League afternoon ended in frustration.
Stach delivers late blow for Nottingham Forest
Neither side managed to establish clear control during a largely even contest at the City Ground.
Much of the attacking threat came from set pieces, with both teams finding it difficult to create consistent openings from open play.
Leeds thought they had taken the lead before the interval when Harry Wilson found the net on his debut.
The midfielder arrived in the penalty area to meet Jayden Bogle’s low cross and appeared to have given the visitors the breakthrough.
However, the effort was ruled out for offside.
Forest then responded strongly towards the end of the first half.
Jair Cunha came closest when the defender rose during a crowded situation inside the Leeds penalty area and sent a header against the post.
The hosts continued to look dangerous after the interval.
Igor Jesus went close with a header from an Ola Aina cross, but his effort failed to trouble the Leeds goal.
Leeds gradually grew into the match and began creating opportunities of their own.
Tarik Muharemovic produced one of the visitors’ better chances when he headed towards goal in the 70th minute, forcing Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels into action.
With the game seemingly heading towards a goalless draw, Leeds finally found their breakthrough.
Stach earned a free-kick after being challenged by Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic.
The Leeds midfielder then stepped up and produced a well-placed effort that beat Sels at the near post.
The goal arrived just two minutes before the end of normal time and was enough to secure all three points for the visitors.
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Difficult beginning for Oliver Glasner
The defeat represents an early setback for Glasner as he attempts to rebuild confidence at Nottingham Forest.
The former Crystal Palace manager arrived with an impressive reputation after guiding the London club to major silverware, including the FA Cup and Conference League, as well as the Community Shield.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis described Glasner as a winner when the club announced his appointment.
But the Austrian inherited a team that finished 16th in the Premier League last season and had experienced considerable instability on the touchline.
Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira all occupied the Forest dugout at different stages of the previous campaign.
Pereira had helped steer Forest away from relegation danger but was dismissed last month, paving the way for Glasner.
The new manager opted for a back-three formation in his first league match, with Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and Jair Cunha forming the defensive unit.
Forest’s squad is still expected to undergo further changes before the transfer window closes.
Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande was unable to make his Forest debut against Leeds, while Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager was introduced for the final 16 minutes.
The midfield remains another area that could require attention following Elliot Anderson’s move to Manchester City.
Ibrahim Sangare and James McAtee started in midfield, while Schlager was brought on later in the match.
For Glasner, the immediate challenge will be turning Forest into a more consistent side while avoiding another season dominated by uncertainty.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
