Anton Stach’s Late Free-Kick Secures Leeds Victory in Glasner’s Forest Debut

Anton Stach scored a dramatic late winner for Leeds United with a direct free-kick, securing a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest and spoiling Oliver Glasner’s first match as Forest manager. The goal came just minutes before the end of normal time, providing Leeds with crucial three points in their opening game of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Leeds United entered the new campaign buoyed by an almost flawless pre-season and an ambitious summer transfer window. The club aimed to build positive momentum early on, capitalizing on their strengthened squad and fresh optimism. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest were eager to make a strong start under new leadership, with Glasner taking charge for the first time in the Premier League. Forest sought to improve their standing after a challenging previous season, but Stach’s expertly taken free-kick denied them a winning debut for their manager.

Stach’s goal added to his impressive record of direct free-kick strikes in the Premier League. Last season, only Dominik Szoboszlai managed more free-kick goals than Stach’s three, including one against Glasner’s former club, Crystal Palace. This latest effort further cements Stach’s reputation as a set-piece specialist and a key player for Leeds, demonstrating his ability to influence tight matches with moments of individual skill.

For Leeds, the victory offers a valuable confidence boost and three important points after a busy summer of squad strengthening. It sets a positive tone for the season ahead, emphasizing their intent to compete strongly in the league. For Nottingham Forest, the result is a setback but also provides Glasner with insights into areas requiring improvement as he continues to implement his vision and tactics for the team.

Looking ahead, Leeds will aim to maintain their strong early-season form as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture. Meanwhile, Forest will focus on regrouping and working on their performance under Glasner’s guidance to achieve better results moving forward.

For more details, visit the original report on The Guardian.