Key Points
- Leeds United face Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Friday evening, February 6, 2026, aiming for a strong start to February.
- Leeds currently sit just above Nottingham Forest in the Premier League table, both on 26 points after 24 matches, with Leeds at 16th (6 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses, -11 goal difference) and Forest at 17th (7 wins, 5 draws, 12 losses, -11 goal difference).
- Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who made his professional debut with Nottingham Forest, spoke exclusively to Premier League Productions ahead of the match.
- Darlow described the recent 0-4 home defeat to Arsenal on January 31, 2026, as a tough game where small errors were punished, praising Arsenal’s drilling and quality.
- He emphasised moving on from the Arsenal loss, with 14 big games remaining and no time to dwell on results.
- Darlow warned of Forest’s direct style, threatening midfield, wings, and forwards, urging Leeds to be wary.
- He expressed excitement for the Friday night fixture at Elland Road, stating everyone will be fully motivated for a positive result.
- The match is level on points, heightening pressure, following Leeds’ 4-0 loss to Arsenal and Forest’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace (played with 10 men in second half).
- Darlow inadvertently scored an own goal in the Arsenal match from a Noni Madueke corner, contributing to Arsenal’s second goal.
- Historical context: Forest beat Leeds 3-1 on November 9, 2025; Leeds lead head-to-head at Elland Road with 23 wins in 52 games.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 5, 2026 – Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has urged his teammates to shake off their recent 4-0 defeat to Arsenal and focus on the crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Friday evening. Speaking exclusively to Premier League Productions, the Welshman, who began his professional career with Forest, highlighted the need for motivation and caution ahead of the six-pointer where both sides sit on 26 points.
- Key Points
- What Did Karl Darlow Say About the Arsenal Defeat?
- How Does Darlow View the Remaining Fixtures?
- Why Be Wary of Nottingham Forest?
- What Makes Friday Night at Elland Road Special?
- Who is Karl Darlow and His Forest Connection?
- What is the Context of Leeds vs Forest in 2026?
- How Did the Arsenal Loss Unfold?
- What Are the Broader Implications?
What Did Karl Darlow Say About the Arsenal Defeat?
As reported in the official Leeds United club statement drawing from the Premier League Productions exclusive, Karl Darlow reflected on the tough encounter with Arsenal. “Arsenal was a tough game,” the Welshman said.
“Unfortunately, it went the wrong way for us, which is just one of those things. In the Premier League, you get punished for small errors and small mistakes.”
Darlow praised the Gunners’ organisation, as quoted in the same interview.
“I think Arsenal are so well drilled in everything they do and it is obviously a squad that has been together for a long time and has added more quality. They are not winning by fluke.”
James McNicholas of The Athletic noted in his match report that Darlow’s difficult day included inadvertently redirecting a corner from Noni Madueke into his own net for Arsenal’s second goal in the 38th minute, underscoring how errors against top sides prove costly.
How Does Darlow View the Remaining Fixtures?
Darlow stressed resilience in the Premier League Productions interview, as covered by Leeds United’s official news.
“But you have to go game by game, brush that one off and on to the next one. We have got 14 big games coming up and we know we cannot afford to dwell on results.”
This mindset aligns with Leeds’ position in a tightening table, where both they and Forest languish in the relegation battle, per ESPN’s standings update.
Why Be Wary of Nottingham Forest?
Darlow issued a stark warning about their opponents in the exclusive chat with Premier League Productions.
“I think there is a very direct way about Forest and very threatening in terms of what they have. They have that quality in the midfield and they have the quality on the wings and up front that can hurt you. So, we need to be wary of that.”
Previews from Khel Now echoed this, highlighting Forest’s approach under manager Sean Dyche, focusing on structure, game management, set-pieces, and counters, with Neco Williams suspended after a red card.
Talking Reds YouTube preview by hosts Greg, Richard, Raf, The Random Pundit, and Premier Elliot described Forest’s grit, coming off a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace despite playing a man down post-interval.
What Makes Friday Night at Elland Road Special?
Excitement bubbled in Darlow’s words from the Premier League Productions feature.
“Friday night at Elland Road – it is one to be excited about as a player and obviously the fans get excited. Everyone will be fully motivated to try and get a really positive result.”
SportsGambler preview noted Leeds’ home strength in this fixture, with Daniel Farke’s side averaging 1.5 goals per game lately, though conceding 1.6, amid 44.9% possession.
Sofascore data confirms the match’s stakes, pitting 16th-placed Leeds against 17th-placed Forest on February 6 at 20:00 UTC.
Who is Karl Darlow and His Forest Connection?
Karl Darlow, Leeds United’s goalkeeper, made his professional debut with Nottingham Forest in 2010-11, accumulating 111 appearances across seasons including 43 in 2013-14 and 42 in 2014-15, per his Wikipedia career statistics updated to May 2025.
He joined Newcastle United in 2014, contributing to their 2016-17 Championship promotion with 34 appearances and 13 clean sheets, before spells in the Premier League and a loan at Hull City.
Darlow arrived at Leeds in 2023, helping secure the 2024-25 Championship title with 14 total appearances.
Yahoo Sports highlighted his “horror show” against Arsenal, where a massive mistake from a corner ruined Leeds’ chances.
What is the Context of Leeds vs Forest in 2026?
Both clubs eye survival, level on 26 points from 24 games, as per ESPN and Premier League tables.
Forebet analysis positions them neck-and-neck at 16th and 17th.
Recent history: Forest won 3-1 at home on November 9, 2025.
Gambling sites like SportsGambler predict a tense affair, with Leeds’ home record giving edge (23 wins in 52 vs Forest at Elland Road).
YouTube’s Talking Reds panel called it “proper pressure,” covering key battles in set-pieces, midfield, and transitions.
Khel Now predicted lineups feature Darlow in a 3-4-2-1 for Leeds, facing Dyche’s scrap-oriented Forest.
How Did the Arsenal Loss Unfold?
The Athletic’s James McNicholas detailed Arsenal’s 4-0 win on January 31: Madueke assisted Martin Zubimendi’s opener (27th minute), Darlow’s own goal from a corner (38th), amid chaos from inswinging deliveries.
Reddit’s r/ArsenalFC thread noted the own goal, with commentators attributing it to Arsenal crowding the box.
Instagram reels captured Darlow explaining the mishap.
What Are the Broader Implications?
This six-pointer could define relegation fights, with 14 games left as Darlow noted.
Leeds seek home momentum under Farke; Forest rely on Dyche’s resilience despite suspensions.
No statements from Farke or Dyche quoted here, but previews stress mentality.
Darlow’s words, via Premier League Productions, rally Whites for positivity.
