Introduction
We covered a lively Premier League fixture at the City Ground on 9 November 2025, where Nottingham Forest beat Leeds United 3–1. According to our observation, the hosts showed greater control in decisive phases, while Leeds could not turn promising spells into gilt‑edged chances. With league momentum at stake, this felt like a statement home performance under S. Dyche against D. Farke’s adaptable visitors.
Tactical Analysis
From our analysis, Forest organised with a compact mid‑block and clear vertical outlets between midfield and the advanced creator. The back line held a narrow shape to protect the box, while both wide players tucked in without the ball and then attacked the half‑spaces on the break. We noticed a deliberate effort to progress through the first receiver in midfield before switching play to isolate a full‑back.
Leeds approached the game with a controlled build‑up and patient occupation of wide corridors. Their forwards rotated to free the central striker, while the double pivot offered passing angles behind Forest’s first press. When possession was lost, Leeds tried to counter‑press immediately, yet Forest’s direct out‑ball repeatedly bypassed that first wave.
Defensively, Forest’s centre‑backs prioritised first contact and second‑ball security. The midfield paired ball‑winning with progressive carries to break Leeds’ structure. In the final third, the creator linked smartly with the front line, timing runs across the near post. Leeds’ defenders managed early danger but struggled to track late runners after the interval. In our view, the main tactical adjustment was Forest raising the press after the equaliser, forcing Leeds to play wider and cross from less threatening zones. Late on, fresh legs in wide areas maintained counter‑threat and controlled the tempo.
Technical Performance
Forest’s attacking movements were crisp, with third‑man runs and quick wall passes around the Leeds box. We noticed clean connections on cut‑backs and calm finishes when the shooting lane opened. Their counter‑attacks were direct rather than hurried, with good weight of pass to release runners at the right moment.
Leeds circulated the ball with purpose and reached advanced areas, but the final action lacked conviction. From our analysis, their final‑third touches were a fraction slow, allowing Forest’s cover to reset. Forest’s defensive organisation held firm inside the area, and the goalkeeper’s handling on crosses steadied the side. A couple of technical errors from Leeds under pressure invited transitions that proved costly.
Statistical Analysis
The figures support the eye test. Possession was close at 48% for Forest and 52% for Leeds, yet Forest produced more shots at 14 to 11 and registered 7 shots on target to 3. Corners finished 6 to 4 in Forest’s favour. The foul count remained balanced at 10 to 11, and the cards tally read 2 for Forest and 1 for Leeds. In our view, the quality of Forest’s chances and their accuracy underpinned the outcome.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Nottingham Forest
- Clinical finishing at key moments
- Compact defensive shape with strong first contact
- Efficient switches that isolated wide defenders
- Calm game management after taking the lead
Leeds United
- Controlled build‑up but insufficient penalty‑area presence
- Counter‑press often bypassed by direct passes
- Struggles tracking late runners from midfield
- Crossing zones too wide to threaten consistently
Key Moments
- 13’ L. Nmecha puts Leeds ahead with a sharp finish after an early transition.
- 15’ I. Sangaré levels for Forest with a well‑timed run and decisive strike.
- 68’ M. G‑White gives Forest a 2–1 lead, arriving between lines to slot home.
- 91’ E. Anderson seals it late, turning a counter into the clinching goal.
Player Ratings
Nottingham Forest
- I. Sangaré 8/10 We noticed his assertive ball‑winning and composed equaliser set the tone.
- M. G‑White 8/10 Linked play between lines and applied the finish for the crucial second.
- E. Anderson 7.5/10 Added late thrust and timing to close the game with a decisive goal.
- Forest centre‑back 7.5/10 Dominant in aerial duels and clean with clearances under pressure.
- Forest goalkeeper 7/10 Safe hands on crosses and assured distribution to release runners.
Leeds United
- L. Nmecha 7/10 Took his chance sharply and worked channels, often isolated thereafter.
- Leeds goalkeeper 6.5/10 Solid shot‑stopping, little chance with the best‑crafted finishes.
- Leeds holding midfielder 6/10 Screened well early but space opened behind him after the break.
- Leeds right‑back 6/10 Competed bravely yet struggled when outnumbered on switches.
- Leeds playmaker 6/10 Found pockets between lines without the final action to match.
Overall Summary
In our view, Forest deserved the win. They created the clearer openings, controlled territory when it mattered, and executed with superior precision in front of goal. Leeds showed phases of control but lacked the penetrative runs and cut‑backs to convert possession into sustained danger.
Future Outlook
From our analysis, this result should boost Forest’s confidence and reinforce their disciplined approach under S. Dyche. Leeds can take positives from their circulation and pressing structure, yet must add penalty‑area threats and protect central spaces more aggressively. We expect tactical tweaks in upcoming fixtures, with Forest doubling down on compact control and Leeds sharpening their final‑third timing.