Nottingham Forest endured a frustrating opening day to the Premier League season on Saturday, falling 1-0 to Leeds United at the City Ground despite a lively display from Nigerian international Ola Aina. Consequently, Oliver Glasner’s first competitive match in charge of the Tricky Trees ended in defeat, courtesy of a stunning late free kick from Anton Stach.
From the outset, both sides cancelled each other out for long spells, with chances at a premium throughout the first half. However, Forest created the better openings, with Igor Jesus twice denied by Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford, including a header from an Aina long throw that forced a smart save. Meanwhile, Harry Wilson thought he had given Leeds the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
As the second half progressed, Forest continued to look the more threatening side, and according to a [Sky Sports match report] Nikola Milenkovic struck the post from a James McAtee cross before Jesus headed over from close range following another dangerous Aina delivery. Nevertheless, the game appeared destined for a goalless draw until Stach intervened in the 88th minute, curling a spectacular free kick beyond Matz Sels to snatch a first Leeds win at the City Ground since 1972, according to [ESPN’s game analysis].
Throughout the contest, Aina was a persistent threat down the right flank, driving forward at every opportunity and supplying several dangerous crosses and long throws into the Leeds box. Indeed, one such delivery set up Jesus for Forest’s best chance of the afternoon early in the second half.
Additionally, according to a [OneFootball report on the match], Forest’s attacking edge appeared to fade following Aina’s late withdrawal, underlining his importance to Glasner’s system. However, the wing-back was also shown a yellow card in the first half following a VAR review for a challenge on James Justin, though he escaped further punishment.
Furthermore, Saturday’s defeat represented a difficult start for Glasner, who replaced Vitor Pereira in the summer after a spell in charge of Crystal Palace. Therefore, questions will inevitably follow about how quickly his new-look Forest side can adapt, even though performance levels on the day suggested plenty of promise going forward.
Aina’s performance will offer plenty of encouragement despite the result, with the wing-back once again showing the consistency and attacking threat that has made him a mainstay for Nigeria over the past several seasons.
Moreover, his involvement in several of Forest’s best moments underlines his continued importance both at club level and for Eric Chelle’s plans in the Super Eagles setup. As a result, Aina’s early-season form will be closely watched as Nigeria continues preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
Following this setback, Forest do not have long to dwell on the loss, as they face Leeds again in the League Cup on Tuesday night before travelling to Liverpool next weekend. Meanwhile, Leeds will look to build on their smash-and-grab opening-day win when Premier League action resumes. Ultimately, Glasner will hope Saturday’s display, if not the result, offers a platform his side can build on as the new season unfolds.
