Leeds United strengthened Premier League survival hopes with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, easing tension at Elland Road. The result stretched Leeds United’s gap above the relegation places, while Nottingham Forest’s position looked far less secure, with pressure increasing ahead of West Ham’s visit to Burnley on Saturday.
Both teams entered this crucial fixture level on points and goal difference, sitting six clear of 18th-placed West Ham. The match carried clear six-pointer status, yet Leeds United handled that pressure better, while Nottingham Forest failed to turn early balance into sustained control across the ninety minutes.
Nottingham Forest actually threatened first during an open start, creating chances through Nicolas Dominguez and
Igor Jesus while the score remained 0-0. Those moments passed without reward, and Leeds United gradually took command, tightening their pressing and moving the ball faster, especially down the flanks, by the half-hour mark.
The breakthrough came after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s powerful header struck the crossbar and bounced clear, lifting home noise. Ilia Gruev then produced a precise pass over the top in the 26th minute, sending Jayden Bogle through, and Bogle kept composure to slot past Nottingham Forest debutant goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Leeds United doubled the advantage four minutes later with a move down the right side. Brenden Aaronson’s clever flick located James Justin inside the area, and Ortega saved Justin’s first effort but pushed it straight back. Justin calmly squared the rebound, leaving Noah Okafor a simple tap-in from close range.
That second goal left Nottingham Forest searching for control they never truly found. Soon after half-time, Leeds United punished more slack defending. In the 49th minute, Gruev delivered another dangerous ball, and Calvert-Lewin adjusted superbly, guiding the cross into the net with his chest from close range.
Nottingham Forest’s frustration deepened when Morato wasted a clear opportunity, failing to convert from promising territory. Substitute Lorenzo Lucca finally pulled one back in the 86th minute, rising well to score with a header on debut. However, the late goal only trimmed the margin, without generating a realistic Nottingham Forest fightback.
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Premier League stats and records
Leeds United’s display reflected a strong Elland Road record under floodlights, with another late-start success. The team have now won all five Premier League home matches kicking off at 19:30 or later this season. That sequence underlines how Leeds United’s form at Elland Road continues to drive their climb towards safety.
Calvert-Lewin’s unusual chest finish also carried wider significance for Leeds United’s Premier League campaign. The striker has now reached 10 league goals this season. Calvert-Lewin previously scored 13 league goals in 2019-20 and 16 in 2020-21 for Everton, marking a third campaign with double figures in the competition.
Calvert-Lewin also achieved a notable club milestone, becoming the first English player to hit 10 league goals in a debut Leeds United season since Matt Smith managed 12 in 2013-14 in the Championship. That contribution has given Leeds United a reliable scoring outlet in a tense Premier League relegation contest.
The underlying numbers backed up Leeds United’s comfortable victory over Nottingham Forest. The hosts produced 15 shots with a total expected goals figure of 2.5, reflecting the quality of chances created. Nottingham Forest managed 16 shots but generated only 1.13 expected goals, highlighting a lack of clear opportunities despite reasonable volume.
| Team | Goals | Shots | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds United | 3 | 15 | 2.5 |
| Nottingham Forest | 1 | 16 | 1.13 |
Leeds United’s strength at Elland Road this season is also reflected in overall points distribution. A large majority of their tally has arrived on home soil, adding weight to the sense that playing in front of home supporters remains central to Leeds United’s Premier League survival effort.
76% - Leeds United have earned 76% of their Premier League points this season at Elland Road (22/29), the highest proportion at home of any side in the division this term. Fortress. pic.twitter.com/089zWgQkzV OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 6, 2026
This 3-1 success over Nottingham Forest leaves Leeds United with a healthier cushion above West Ham and the bottom three. Nottingham Forest, by contrast, could sit only three points clear of danger once West Ham play Burnley, underlining how damaging this Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Premier League result may become.
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