Gibbs-White frustration and Glasner plea as Aina shines in Forest loss to Leeds | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Leeds United in Oliver Glasner's first competitive game, decided by Anton Stach's 88th-minute free-kick. The Reds struggled to click under their new head coach.

Nottingham Post highlights several subplots from the Premier League opener. Morgan Gibbs-White looked frustrated before moving centrally around the half-hour, which lifted Forest's tempo. Matz Sels then made a huge 70th-minute save before the late setback.

Glasner repeatedly urged his players to use the flanks, with Sels instructed to pass wide. Forest's threat chiefly came from those areas, but their final ball and finishing rarely matched the approach play.

Ola Aina was central to that plan at wing-back, influential at both ends and dangerous with his deliveries. Forest's forwards could not profit, and their attacking edge faded after his late second-half withdrawal.

Midfield was a concern, particularly before the break, with gaps appearing and runners going unchecked. It is an area for Glasner to address.

Chris Wood received a rousing welcome when introduced, reflecting his standout 2024/25. He dragged a good chance wide soon after coming on, and this already feels an important season for the striker.

Despite his earlier stop, Sels should have done better for the winner. Briefly out of the side last term, he has work to do to cement the number one spot.

Forest face Leeds again in the League Cup on Tuesday night, then travel to Liverpool next Saturday.

Source: Nottingham Post

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”