Stach’s decisive strike Anton Stach’s right-footed direct free-kick curled past Matz Sels’s near post in the 87th minute to give Leeds United a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. The goal, scored with only a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, was the third direct free-kick Stach has produced in the Premier League this season, a tally that rivals only Dominik Szoboszlai’s record-breaking three last year. Leeds’ pre-season and summer Leeds entered the match after a near-flawless pre-season and a summer of expensive, high-profile signings. Manager Daniel Farke praised Stach’s consistency, noting that the midfielder had “surprised me last season with his free-kicks” and that he now “trusts him with everything.” Farke also recalled Stach’s recent charity burger launch, calling the player “a bit of a weird and crazy guy.” Glasner’s new dawn falters Nottingham Forest’s fifth head coach in less than 12 months, Oliver Glasner, watched the match from the technical area. His first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat, with Forest’s performance described as underwhelming. Glasner left marquee signing Ousmane Diomande on the bench and introduced Xaver Schlager late on, but the team failed to find a way past Stach’s set-piece. Key moments for Leeds Leeds dominated the game, with Harry Wilson’s debut goal disallowed for offside after a push from Jayden Bogle. In the second half, Sels’s strong left hand prevented a header by Tarik Muharemovic, Leeds’ £34m signing on debut, from reaching the top corner. The match saw several other missed chances, including Chris Wood’s wide shot from the bench. Forest’s attempts to counter Forest’s attempts to counter were hampered by defensive errors. Morgan Gibbs-White’s deflected pass created a chance for a first-time shot, but the ball went wide. Schlager replaced James McAtee for his debut, yet Leeds remained buoyant throughout the final whistle. Set-piece importance Only Arsenal and Manchester United scored more set-piece goals for Leeds last season. Farke dismissed the idea that set-pieces are more important than before, but he highlighted their role in the team’s summer recruitment. “There is not one team who won the World Cup without a set-piece goal,” he said, citing Germany’s 2014 triumph and the magic of free-kick takers like Juninho. Leeds celebrate The away end, bathed in the evening sun, erupted in celebration as Leeds secured the win. The victory came at a time when Forest’s new era was still in its infancy, leaving the visitors to enjoy a hard-earned triumph.