Nigeria Players Abroad
Ola Aina starts as Leeds stun Nottingham Forest with late free-kick
Anton Stach scored a spectacular late free-kick to give Leeds a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, leaving Oliver Glasner to begin his Premier League tenure with defeat.
Nigeria international Ola Aina started for Forest and played until the 74th minute, but his side were unable to find a way through in a match that appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw.
With time running out, Leeds’ free-kick specialist caught Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels by surprise. Stach’s long-range effort found a narrow opening at the near post, securing the points for the visitors and breaking the deadlock in dramatic fashion.
The result was a particularly painful one for Sels, who had produced the outstanding save of the match before conceding the decisive goal. He reacted sharply to keep out Tarik Muharemovic’s goalbound header, stretching to claw the ball away with one hand.
Set-pieces had already provided the clearest opportunities on a frustrating afternoon for both attacks. Forest forward Igor Jesus twice came close with headers, the first being saved by Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford in the opening half.
Igor Jesus had another promising chance only minutes into the second half, but he sent his header over the crossbar. Substitute Chris Wood also had an opportunity for Forest, though his effort was dragged wide.
Leeds’ ability to threaten from dead-ball situations ultimately proved decisive, with Stach’s free-kick denying Forest a point in Glasner’s first Premier League match in charge. The home side had appeared set to settle for a draw before the late strike turned the game in Leeds’ favour.
Sels had gone from making a crucial save to conceding the winning goal, summing up a difficult conclusion to Forest’s league opener. For Leeds, Stach’s finish delivered an important away victory and ensured their campaign began with three points.
Elsewhere in the opening round of fixtures, Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1, while Everton recorded a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
