Leeds beat fellow strugglers Nottm Forest in Premier League
Bogle, Okafor & Calvert-Lewin goals helped hosts to comfortable win
Lucca scored late consolation for Forest
Result moves Leeds nine points clear of relegation zone - and keeps pressure on 17th-placed Reds
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
That is all for tonight on a great day for Leeds as they defeat Nottingham Forest.
Thanks for joining us and we'll be back tomorrow for a big afternoon of Premier League action.
Until then, bye for now.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter at Elland Road
Leeds United moved nine points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone after a dominant win over drop rivals Nottingham Forest.
Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck as Daniel Farke's men pulled further clear of third-bottom West Ham and level on points with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca headed home a late consolation for 17th-placed Forest, but it failed to add any gloss to a wretched defeat.
It was just a fourth win in 16 league games for the hosts, but one which gives 16th-placed Leeds a platform for survival.
Before the game, Farke believed four more wins would ensure their top-flight status and his side showed his confidence was not misplaced with a commanding victory.
In contrast, Forest - who started level on points with Leeds - were lacklustre and West Ham will reduce the gap to three with victory at second-bottom Burnley on Saturday.
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Leeds boss Daniel Farke speaking to Sky Sports on how many points he thinks it will take to stay up: "I have always said that one point average per game normally makes sure you earn the right to stay in the next league on this level. Whatever it is we are three points closer today. We know 29 points won't be enough.
"We have many reasons to be happy and proud today and enjoy the weekend a little bit but there is no reason to not stay humble and stay grounded. We have to keep going. We know for sure 29 points won't be enough, but if we deliver performances like this then we definitely have a good chance."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Leeds boss Daniel Farke speaking to Sky Sports about the manner of bouncing back from Arsenal defeat: "It is always important how you respond after a difficult result and so far more or less we have responded well. There are games that, of course it is still just three points, but it feels more important. Whenever the pressure was on and we had to deliver, we have delivered. This is the sign of a winning mentality.
"You could feel it today the whole day, during the game and at half time, what it meant to the players and the desire they showed. So I am pretty happy with this mature behaviour that we showed. Also at this level we were asked to show ourselves and managed to take three points so I am pretty pleased and proud of the lads."
On Gruev: "He was outstanding. he is always solid, reliable and you can always count on him. He always delivers at least a seven out of ten performance but today he was pretty close to ten. He looked like a mix of [Hristo] Stoichkov and Lothar Matthaus in his prime. Two assists as well. He played key passes in offence and showed great skills on the ball. He embodies everything that Leeds United is all about. We are perhaps not perfect but we show great quality and great desire and we like to improve from week to week."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Three awful goals, you can't give away goals like that at this level. Credit to them, they deserved it. We warned the players, we know the atmosphere in here and all the talk of it. We started playing well, we made two chances, but you can't get done with a straight ball over the top with your unit all staring at the ball. Then we give away a second that's not great. I actually thought we were still in it at that point. Then the third goal and you're just scratching your head because they're miles off what we usually do as a unit.
"We expected a fast start, I thought we handled that as well as we could. I thought we calmed it and we found pockets, started asking questions of their back line. To concede the first... they drive you mad those ones. They're the basic principles. We tried to play offside for no reason, I don't like that anyway. Then they score a goal out of a nothing situation. Then the third is a real headscratcher. The whole place changes and we had a couple of chances in the second half as well.
"I'm not going to over-question the players and I thought the subs were good. The mentality is there."
On losing a player in the run-up to the match: "It's not ideal [to lose a player] but no excuses from me. Leeds deserved it but we've got to work at the basics. It was weak."
On Luca Netz: "He's been here a day and a half, he did fine when he came on. He will grow into what we do. He will play his part without a doubt."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Image source, Getty ImagesMore from Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin speaking to Sky Sports about his goal: "Just being on my toes and if the ball drops be alive. I can see the centre-half's number so I know he can't see me. Then I just make my run across him, usual centre forward play, get across your man, and then Illia [Gruev] not sure if it is a shot or a cross but I just improvise and chest it in."
On hitting double figures for goals in the league: "When you go into any season double figures is what you've got to aim for as a number nine in this league, double figures and above, so it is nice to hit that milestone, but I am hungry for more. I'm striving every day to improve and keep scoring more goals.
"I've scored one before [off his chest]. Check my goals for Northampton Town on loan, across the front post and chest in. I just found that it wasn't a volley or a header, and I have just guided it into the net. It's just pure instinct. That is where I like to be in the box and I find that is when the best finishes come."
On the backing of the fans: "That is all that you want as a striker the faith and belief of the club and the backing of the fans. The manager has put a lot of faith in me and I'd like to think I am repaying that and I am really enjoying my football and my time here and leading the line as I always have done."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Leeds boss Daniel Farke speaking to Sky Sports: "We played an emphatic second half at Man City but we have changed the base formation so often during the season. Sometimes we are a hybrid team where we are a different base formation with and without the ball. All the credit goes to the players because they have been so flexible so far this season.
"We don't have the best individual quality so sometimes we have to mirror the opponent to take their strength away and bring our principles onto the pitch. It is a strength that we are not predictable. The players brought that again today in a fantastic mannner. "
On setting up to stop Forest's counter threat: "In the first half and also major parts in the second half we were really un-pressable and dominated the game in possession and created great chances. Normally against a Dyche team it is hard to open the seam and to score goals
"It was key that we were switched on in the moments where we lost the ball. You have to take risks at some point but we made sure today that with Forest's quality up front that they were not able to develop anything out of the counter attacks. We were on it in the counter pressing which was key. So it is this balance of in possession and desire against the ball."
Click 'Get Involved' to have your say
Magic from Leeds! Deserved the win and safety is in sight
Adam, York
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin speaking to Sky Sports: "Everything came together. An all-round performance from the team. We had good discipline and managed the game well. Things went our way on the night. The conditions were difficult and we knew what they were going to bring. We knew we would have to have our tin hats on at times and we did and we battled well and won the game.
"We've just done today what we have been doing for the last few weeks, executing our game plan, on the ball and off the ball, trying to dominate possession and manage the game. We are trying to mature as we go through the season and we did that well today. Again we are not getting carried away. It is a massive three points for us and one we can take confidence from."
On whether Leeds are safe: "No. I know you all like to get carried away but no. We knew it was a huge game today and we had to get three points. It's a step in the right direction and we will be working, pushing, motivated even more to keep going up the table."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's different away from home and at home the way they put the energy into the games. The killer for us was giving away the goal. We responded somewhat and then they score a second. I said at half-time we've got to rethink. Then we conceded really quickly and the third goal is awful as well. There's no qualms about the result, they were better than us.
"We've had late changes which is not perfect. You've got to do the basics and we didn't do them. The goals are awful from our standards. You can't give away chances like that at this level. The mentality was good at the end, we were still pushing, but it would have been getting out of jail. Our performance wasn't there."
On playing against the Elland Road atmosphere: "We all know their form and what you've got to do. We've dealt with other teams better than we've dealt with them today. We were turning the game and it's just such a poor first goal. We concede a very straightforward goal, then the second and you're stretching your head. I've got no question mark over the result, they deserved it."
On whether he rues missed chances at 0-0: "That's the truth of football. It's ifs and ands after the game. We had two really good chances and didn't put them away, that can happen. I'm just so frustrating with the goal. The basic principles went out the window."
On the impact of having to make a late change: "It's not the perfect scenario when you lose a centre half late on. All the subs did fine when they came on. There's positives in the way they reacted and we kept going at the end but the negatives for me are three awful goals."
On needing to move on: "It's always move on quickly. There's been a lot of good work here and that's a reminder that if you don't keep your foot on the gas, you can get hurt at this level."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Proud of my boys. An important game for us. A sign of a great mentality, a great spirit. Also a winning mentality when you are asked to deliver and you deliver in this way. Emphatic fight from my boys, great performance. We showed the other side of us, the fighting edge and the steal. A perfect win.
"We didn't allow them to develop the game, they have so much quality up front and in counter-attacks. We were very dominant. We started the second half strong and after a few injuries and got a bit tired they scored. We then showed so much maturity to bring it over the line."
On their home form: "As a promoted side it's always important to have your home stadium as a fortress and Elland Road is a fortress. We edge three points closer. We are happy tonight but tomorrow we go again.
"Perhaps we should apply to always have a kick-off here on a Friday evening. It's then also to the boys to deliver. It's important we use this atmosphere for emphatic performances."
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin: "Perfect goalscorer, a proven goalscorer at this level but also a guy who leads our lines. A great character in the dressing room and now he delivers."
On being on 29 points: "The other teams also have a game in hand. I don't think 29 points will be enough to stay in this league so we need to keep going. We are on a good path and if we deliver performances like this we will also have a good chance."
Click 'Get Involved' to have your say
A well deserved win for Leeds. However, the habit of letting opponents back into the game late on is a worrying trend that Farke needs to address.
Nick, Exeter
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Stuart Dallas
Former Leeds midfielder on Sky Sports
Leeds have been on a great run from the Man City game way before Christmas. There was the change of shape and formation and put a really good run together.
Before the game we said we didn't know how they were only six points clear because it had only been two defeats or whatever it was in that time. They will get big belief from this win.
Image source, Getty ImagesClick 'Get Involved' to have your say
Another disappointing defeat following a slight upturn in results. Momentum lost again due to Dyche once again failing to take a positive approach. Negative mindset will cost us our Premier League status, and tonight's result puts all pressure on us for the Wolves game.
Mark, Chilwell
Honestly, on that showing, we deserve to be where we are.
Scott, Nottingham
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United have earned 76% of their Premier League points this season at Elland Road (22 out of 29), the highest proportion at home of any side in the division this term.
Image source, Getty ImagesFT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
Leeds' James Justin, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's always nice to take the three points back to the training ground. We deserved it. Last week against Arsenal, we had to bounce back from it. The lads put in a great shift and it's a massive three points."
On not dwelling on the defeat by Arsenal: "Some games in the Premier League where a team just blows you away, especially a team of their quality. If you don't turn up at your absolute best then things like that will happen. It was swept to one side and we had to focus on the big game tonight and we did the job."
On whether Leeds blew Forest away: "I wouldn't say blown away but we had a good set-up going into the game, understood what we needed to do. It was nice to score three at home."
On Leeds' home form: "I don't know, there's something special about night games here."
On whether he'll be focusing on this weekend's games: "We'll be recovering for Tuesday, it's another chance to get points and get another result to keep us ticking over in the table. There's a lot to play for."
On competing with teams higher up in the table: "We're not afraid of anyone in this league and that's the way we like it. We'll fight in every game, give it our all and see what happens.
"Some of the football we played tonight was some of the best of the season. To put in a performance like that is a big one."
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Daniel Farke has now won seven of his 25 Premier League games in charge of Leeds United (drawn eight, lost 10), one more than he won in 49 matches as Norwich City manager in the competition (won six, drawn eight, lost 35).
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Michael Dawson
Former Nottingham Forest and Tottenham defender on Sky Sports
Leeds got what they deserved. From start to finish it was well played by them, and a positive response from that disappointment against Arsenal.
When they got the third goal from Calvert-Lewin it was very, very comfortable.
FT: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Leeds nine points clear of the bottom three and now on the same points as Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
Nottingham Forest, who play bottom-of-the-league Wolves at home on Wednesday, will be cheering on Burnley tomorrow against West Ham.
At a glance
Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor net in the first half
Dominic Calvert-Lewin adds a third - his 10th of the season
Lorenzo Lucca scores a debut Forest goal
Leeds United moved nine points clear of the Premier League's relegation zone after a dominant win over drop rivals Nottingham Forest.
Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck as Daniel Farke's men pulled further clear of third-bottom West Ham and level on points with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca headed home a late consolation for 17th-placed Forest, but it failed to mask a wretched defeat.
It was just a fourth win in 16 league games for the hosts, but one which gives 16th-placed Leeds a platform for survival.
Before the game, Farke believed four more wins would ensure their top-flight status and his side showed his confidence was not misplaced with a commanding victory.
In contrast, Forest - who started level on points with Leeds - were lacklustre and West Ham will reduce the gap to three with victory at second-bottom Burnley on Saturday.
Sean Dyche's men were well beaten at Elland Road and two goals in the space of four minutes from Bogle and Okafor - who ended a 16-match league scoring drought dating back to October - proved decisive.
Calvert-Lewin - who headed against the bar before Bogle's 26th-minute opener - added a third goal four minutes after the restart as Leeds made it four successive top-flight home league wins over Forest.
It came from a classy, improvised finish, chesting in an Ilia Gruev cross, while 6ft 7in forward Lucca replied with a Forest debut goal in the 86th minute as he rose well to meet an Omari Hutchinson cross.
Farke hails 'perfect goalscorer' Calvert-Lewin
Chants of "England's No9" rang around Elland Road as Calvert-Lewin's 10th goal of the season wrapped up the crucial win.
The relief was palpable.
He is the Premier League's top English goalscorer and his goals look as if they will fire his side to safety.
Calvert-Lewin's clever chested effort emphasised his confidence at a club which has helped him rediscover his form following his summer arrival on a free transfer.
He had scored just 13 goals in three seasons at Everton - last netting double figures in 2021 - but has revived his career in impressive fashion.
Few would have expected such a turnaround, but Farke has tapped into a scoring touch which looked to have deserted the 28-year-old.
It is the perfect time too, with England boss Thomas Tuchel having just one camp next month before this summer's World Cup.
Calvert-Lewin has not played for his country since 2021, but the clamour to add to his 11 caps will grow greater if he continues this impact and stays injury free.
'Nowhere near acceptable' - Dyche bemoans 'awful' goals
Nicolas Dominguez took his frustration out on Forest's water bottles after he was substituted in the 54th minute.
The midfielder's actions - booting the bottles by the dugout - would have spoken for the entire squad and coaching staff.
It was a wet, wretched night at Elland Road which - come the end of the season - may be viewed as pivotal in the survival race.
Forest, like Leeds, had the chance to move nine points clear of West Ham, but the deficit could be worryingly down to just three on Saturday.
It was not just a missed opportunity, but one they failed to show up for. Bar a 10-minute spell in the first half - where they had a few chances - they were out-thought, outplayed and outfought.
Even skipper Morgan Gibbs-White was replaced in the second period, to signify Forest's struggles, and not even a pitchside discussion with boss Dyche seemed to convince him it was the right decision.
Wins at West Ham and Brentford had kept Forest clear of the bottom three, but the danger of the drop still looms large after this disappointing display and defeat.
Leeds visit Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday, 10 February (19:30 GMT), before travelling to Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, 15 February (12:00 GMT).
Bottom club Wolves come to the City Ground on Wednesday, 11 February (19:30 GMT) in the Premier League, before Forest travel to Turkey to play Fenerbahce in the Europa League knockout round play-offs on Thursday, 19 February (17:45 GMT).
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 16 | 5 | 3 | 46 | 17 | 29 | 53 |
| |
| 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 | 49 | 23 | 26 | 47 |
| |
| 24 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 35 | 26 | 9 | 46 |
| |
| 24 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 44 | 36 | 8 | 41 |
| |
| 24 | 11 | 7 | 6 | 42 | 27 | 15 | 40 |
| |
| 24 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 39 | 33 | 6 | 39 |
| |
| 24 | 11 | 3 | 10 | 36 | 32 | 4 | 36 |
| |
| 24 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 27 | 26 | 1 | 36 |
| |
| 24 | 10 | 4 | 10 | 34 | 35 | -1 | 34 |
| |
| 24 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 26 | 27 | -1 | 34 |
| |
| 24 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 33 |
| |
| 24 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 43 | -3 | 33 |
| |
| 24 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 34 | 32 | 2 | 31 |
| |
| 24 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 29 |
| |
| 24 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 25 | 29 | -4 | 29 |
| |
| 25 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 34 | 43 | -9 | 29 |
| |
| 25 | 7 | 5 | 13 | 25 | 38 | -13 | 26 |
| |
| 24 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 29 | 48 | -19 | 20 |
| |
| 24 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 25 | 47 | -22 | 15 |
| |
| 24 | 1 | 5 | 18 | 15 | 45 | -30 | 8 |
|
Manager:Daniel Farke
Formation:3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Manager:Sean Dyche
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Daniel Farke
Formation:3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Manager:Sean Dyche
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Leeds United |
2' | Leeds United |
3' | Leeds United |
4' | Leeds United |
5' | Leeds United |
6' | Leeds United |
7' | Leeds United |
8' | Leeds United |
9' | Leeds United |
10' | Nottingham Forest |
11' | Nottingham Forest |
12' | Nottingham Forest |
13' | Nottingham Forest |
14' | Nottingham Forest |
15' | Nottingham Forest |
16' | Nottingham Forest |
17' | Nottingham Forest |
18' | Nottingham Forest |
19' | Leeds United |
20' | Leeds United |
21' | Nottingham Forest |
22' | Nottingham Forest |
23' | Nottingham Forest |
24' | Leeds United |
25' | Leeds United |
26' | Leeds UnitedGoal |
27' | Leeds United |
28' | Leeds United |
29' | Leeds United |
30' | Leeds UnitedGoal |
31' | Leeds United |
32' | Leeds United |
33' | Nottingham Forest |
34' | Nottingham Forest |
35' | Nottingham Forest |
36' | Nottingham Forest |
37' | Nottingham Forest |
38' | Nottingham Forest |
39' | Nottingham Forest |
40' | Nottingham Forest |
41' | Nottingham Forest |
42' | Nottingham Forest |
43' | Nottingham Forest |
44' | Nottingham Forest |
45' | Nottingham Forest |
45'+1 | Nottingham Forest |
Half time 45'+2 | Nottingham Forest |
46' | Leeds United |
47' | Nottingham Forest |
48' | Nottingham Forest |
49' | Leeds UnitedGoal |
50' | Leeds United |
51' | Leeds United |
52' | Leeds United |
53' | Leeds United |
54' | Leeds United |
55' | Nottingham Forest |
56' | Leeds United |
57' | Leeds United |
58' | Leeds United |
59' | Leeds United |
60' | Leeds United |
61' | Leeds United |
62' | Leeds United |
63' | Leeds United |
64' | Leeds United |
65' | Leeds United |
66' | Leeds United |
67' | Leeds United |
68' | Leeds United |
69' | Leeds United |
70' | Leeds United |
71' | Leeds United |
72' | Leeds United |
73' | Nottingham Forest |
74' | Nottingham Forest |
75' | Nottingham Forest |
76' | Nottingham Forest |
77' | Nottingham Forest |
78' | Nottingham Forest |
79' | Nottingham Forest |
80' | Nottingham Forest |
81' | Leeds United |
82' | Leeds United |
83' | Leeds United |
84' | Leeds United |
85' | Leeds United |
86' | Nottingham ForestGoal |
87' | Nottingham Forest |
88' | Nottingham Forest |
89' | Nottingham Forest |
90' | Nottingham Forest |
90'+1 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+2 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+3 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+4 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+5 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+6 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+7 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+8 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+9 | Nottingham Forest |
Full time 90'+10 | Nottingham Forest |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Leeds have won their last three Premier League home games against Nottingham Forest (1996, 1999 & 2023) and have never failed to score in their 25 top-flight home matches against the Tricky Trees.
Nottingham Forest are looking to complete the league double over Leeds for the first time since 2013-14, and for just the second time ever in the top-flight after 1995-96.
Nottingham Forest have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League games against promoted sides (W9 D5), a 1-0 home defeat against Sunderland earlier this season.
Leeds have won all four of their Premier League night matches at Elland Road this season (7.30pm or later), most recently a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace in December.
After a run of six defeats in seven Premier League games in October/November (W1), Leeds have lost just two of their last 11 since the start of December (W3 D6). They’ve conceded four goals in both of these defeats, including a 4-0 home loss to Arsenal last time out.
Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games (W2 D2). It’s their longest run without defeat this season, last going longer between December and January last season (8).
Only bottom side Wolves (6.7%) have a lower shot conversion rate than Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season (8.5%). Forest ranked joint-6th for this in the competition last season (12.5%).
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored nine Premier League goals this season, only twice before reaching double figures in a single campaign (13 in 2019-20, 16 in 2020-21). The last Englishman to score 10 league goals in their first season with Leeds United was Matt Smith in 2013-14 (12 in the Championship).
Only Alexis Mac Allister (31) has had more shots without scoring than Leeds’ Pascal Struijk (22) in the Premier League this season, with Struijk accumulating the highest xG without a goal so far (2.32).
Morgan Gibbs-White has either scored (3) or assisted (1) a goal in four of his last five Premier League appearances, while he also scored what proved to be Nottingham Forest’s winner in the reverse fixture against Leeds in November.
