Recap

Leeds United Triumph 3-1 Over Nottingham Forest in Crucial Relegation Six-Pointer

Leeds United secured a vital 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 6, 2026, propelling them nine points clear of the Premier League relegation zone in a match that showcased their attacking prowess under the floodlights. Goals from Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed a deserved win for Daniel Farke’s side, while substitute Lorenzo Lucca’s late header offered slim consolation for the visitors.

Pre-Match Context: A Battle for Survival

Heading into the fixture, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest sat level on 26 points and goal difference after 24 games, making this a pivotal clash in the relegation scrap. Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, had shown resilience at home, boasting five wins in evening kick-offs this season, all at Elland Road. Nottingham Forest, struggling with 13 league defeats, introduced debutants like full-back Zach Abbott and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, hoping to steady their ship. The atmosphere at Elland Road was electric, with Leeds fans ready to roar their team to safety.

First Half: Leeds Seize Control with Quickfire Goals

Leeds wasted no time asserting dominance from kick-off, launching an immediate offensive that set the tone for the evening. In the opening minutes, Gabriel Gudmundsson tore down the left flank, delivering a low driven cross that 19-year-old Forest defender Zach Abbott, on his full Premier League debut, sliced narrowly over his own crossbar. The Elland Road crowd sensed blood, and Leeds kept the pressure relentless.

The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute. Ilia Gruev threaded a beautifully flighted through-ball to Jayden Bogle, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside before sliding a composed low finish past debutant Stefan Ortega for his first Premier League goal for Leeds. The stadium erupted as Leeds took a 1-0 lead, with Bogle’s clinical finish underscoring the home side’s growing confidence.

Just four minutes later, Leeds doubled their advantage in devastating fashion. James Justin’s shot was parried by Ortega, but the rebound fell kindly to Noah Okafor, who buried his third goal of the season into the net, ending a 16-game drought. Okafor’s finish was instinctive, capping a clinical four-minute spell that left Forest reeling and handed Leeds a 2-0 halftime lead. Forest had chances of their own, but Leeds’ high intensity and home support made it one-way traffic.

Throughout the half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin had already threatened, earlier thumping a first-half header against the crossbar after a pinpoint delivery. His presence up top was a constant menace, drawing fouls and pinning back Forest’s defense.

Second Half: Calvert-Lewin Seals It, Forest Fight Back Too Late

Forest emerged after the interval knowing they needed a response, but Leeds struck first again soon after the restart. In a moment of predatory brilliance, Dominic Calvert-Lewin chested home Leeds’ third goal, cleverly directing the ball into the bottom-right corner to make it 3-0. This marked his 10th Premier League goal of the season for the free summer signing from Everton, a strike that epitomized Leeds’ ruthlessness.

With the game seemingly coasting, Leeds winger Daniel James made his first appearance since November, coming off the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury. His pace added another dimension, though the points felt secure. Forest substitute Morato missed a glaring chance to pull one back, glancing a header wide when well-placed.

In the 86th minute, Nottingham Forest finally responded. January signing Lorenzo Lucca, on his debut from Napoli, rose highest to head home Omari Hutchinson’s cross, reducing the deficit to 3-1. It sparked brief hope for the visitors, and Karl Darlow made a fine save to deny Ibrahim Sangare’s late effort, tipping it over the bar. However, time ran out, and Leeds held firm for a \”massive win,\” as Farke later described it.

Key Player Performances: Stars Shine for Leeds

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the standout, notching his 10th goal with a clever chested finish after earlier hitting the woodwork. His movement and aerial presence terrorized Forest throughout. Noah Okafor ended his drought with a poacher’s goal, thriving in a fluid left-sided role granted license by Farke to drift inside. Post-match, Okafor praised the \”unbelievable atmosphere\” in the dressing room and training ground, crediting it for the on-pitch performance.

Jayden Bogle marked his first Leeds Premier League goal with a cool finish, rewarding Gruev’s exquisite pass. Ilia Gruev dictated play from midfield, his vision key to the opener. Defensively, James Justin contributed to the second goal with a shot that forced the rebound. For Forest, debutant Lorenzo Lucca showed promise with his late header, but Stefan Ortega endured a tough debut in goal.

Managerial Perspectives and Tactical Insights

Daniel Farke hailed the result as a \”massive win\” for Leeds, emphasizing its importance in easing relegation fears. His side’s evening form at home—five wins from seven—is the best in the league this season, with Elland Road’s floodlights proving magical once more. Leeds attacked with width through Gudmundsson and Okafor, exploiting Forest’s youthful backline.

Nottingham Forest’s inexperience showed, particularly with Abbott’s early error and Ortega’s busier night. Despite the late fightback, their 13th defeat leaves them three points above the drop zone, with Wolves propping up the table on eight points.

League Standings Impact and Relegation Picture

The win lifts Leeds to 29 points from 25 games (7 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses, -9 goal difference), nine points clear of third-bottom Forest on 26 points (7-5-13, -13 GD). Below them, West Ham languish on 20, Burnley on 15, and Wolves on 8, making this result seismic in the survival battle. Leeds’ sixth home win underscores their fortress mentality.

Significant Incidents and Atmosphere

Key moments defined the game: Abbott’s sliced clearance, Bogle’s opener, Okafor’s rebound strike, Calvert-Lewin’s chested sealer, and Lucca’s consolation. No major controversies marred the contest, though Darlow’s late save highlighted Forest’s desperation. The Elland Road roar, especially after going 2-0 up, was pivotal, with fans crediting the \”thoroughly deserved success.\”

James’ return added emotional lift, while debuts for Abbott, Ortega, and Lucca brought fresh faces amid Forest’s woes. Leeds’ quick transitions and set-piece threats proved decisive against a Forest side that struggled to quieten the crowd.

Looking Ahead: Momentum for Leeds, Pressure on Forest

This victory provides Leeds breathing room, with Farke urging his team to build on the momentum. Their record under the lights—five wins in evening home games—signals potential for more. For Forest, the loss intensifies the pressure, with survival now a steeper climb.

Okafor’s words capture Leeds’ spirit: an unbeatable dressing room vibe translating to pitch dominance. As the Premier League relegation fight rages, Leeds’ statement win positions them as battlers, not victims.