Key Points
- Leeds United secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in a Premier League match at Elland Road.
- Leeds fans praised the team’s flair, discipline, management, and team spirit, with specific mentions of James Justin defending Brenden Aaronson, Dan James’s return, and the electric crowd atmosphere.
- Daniel Farke received strong backing from supporters, who highlighted his tactical acumen and the players’ hunger to prove themselves in the top flight.
- Nottingham Forest fans expressed deep frustration, criticising goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, defender Morato, manager Sean Dyche, and the team’s lack of plan, fight, and energy.
- Forest supporters noted positives like Lorenzo Lucca’s debut goal and height as a distraction for defenders, but called for changes ahead of upcoming fixtures.
- The match underscored Leeds’s resurgence under Farke, contrasting with Forest’s struggles, as fans from both sides weighed in on performances and future prospects.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 7, 2026 – Leeds United claimed a vital 3-1 Premier League triumph over Nottingham Forest at Elland Road, sparking jubilation among home supporters who lauded the Whites’ flair, discipline, and unyielding spirit. Fans hailed manager Daniel Farke’s leadership and singled out moments like James Justin’s principled stand for Brenden Aaronson, while Nottingham Forest followers decried their side’s dismal showing, pointing to defensive frailties and a lack of tactical nous under Sean Dyche. This fans’ verdict captures the raw divide in reactions to a match that bolstered Leeds’s survival bid.
What Did Leeds Fans Say About the Victory?
Leeds supporters revelled in the comprehensive nature of the win, viewing it as a testament to the squad’s cohesion and resurgence. Olivia, a vocal fan, captured the electric atmosphere:
“It was a great game to watch. Leeds showed so much flare and discipline. Really well managed and players giving everything for each other.”
She highlighted a pivotal moment of camaraderie, noting,
“I like the way James Justin stood up for Brenden Aaronson when there was a bad tackle – no violence, just ‘what do you think you’re doing?’ to the Forest player.”
Olivia added that “the Leeds team is obviously enjoying their football,” praising Dan James’s return and the team’s chance creation:
“It’s great to see Dan James back. Could have scored more and were creating lots but three is plenty… for now. Loved the crowd atmosphere. Bring on more evening games!”
Peter echoed this sentiment, emphasising the result’s significance:
“A superb result which was so very important. The attitude of every Leeds player was fantastic as always, working their socks off for each other.”
He commended the football on display—”Played excellent football and it was a well-deserved result”—while urging caution:
“We can’t relax though as there’s still a long way to go. In Daniel Farke we trust. MOT.”
James delved into Farke’s motivation, linking it to his past at Norwich City:
“Farke has a point to prove after his previous experience taking Norwich City into the Premier League didn’t end well.”
He observed,
“This time round with Leeds, he’s hungry to show he’s got what it takes and he’s instilled a confidence in these Leeds players, who are also out to prove they have what it takes to be in this division. On current showings, it looks like they have.”
This perspective underscores the psychological edge Farke has fostered, turning past setbacks into fuel for Premier League ambition.
Andy rounded out the Leeds chorus by contextualising the win against recent form:
“Taking into account last week’s result and the magnitude of Friday’s game, I thought every player managed the occasion and pressure fantastically and left everything on the pitch.”
He spotlighted the mental fortitude required—
“showing the fight and composure you need to survive in this brutal league”
—and praised the manager:
“Special mention to our manager, who continues to impress, learn and evolve into a very astute and clever tactician. Roll on, Chelsea!”
Collectively, these voices paint a picture of a united Leeds fanbase, buoyed by a performance that signalled resilience amid the relegation scrap.
Why Were Nottingham Forest Fans So Disappointed?
In stark contrast, Nottingham Forest fans unleashed a torrent of criticism, branding the defeat as a damning indictment of their team’s frailties. Tom led the charge against selection choices:
“Stefan Ortega should never have started. Angus Gunn should have been between the sticks from the start.”
He questioned defensive picks—
“Don’t understand starting Morato when the guy is clearly a liability in defence. Should have taken the £15m for him”
and attacking decisions:
“And not starting Omari Hutchinson or Lorenzo Lucca when that partnership created our goal? Something needs to change on Wednesday, for sure.”
Peter minced no words on the overall display:
“Forest were inept and woeful. No plan on how to win the game, no fight or ingenuity on how not to lose the game.”
He laid the blame squarely at the manager’s door:
“Sean Dyche looks out of ideas and we appear determined to be relegation candidates at all costs. Something needs to change.”
This blunt assessment reflects a growing unease among supporters, who see tactical stagnation threatening survival.
Bob amplified the despair:
“Absolutely dreadful performance. Second best in every aspect of the game. Forest made Leeds look like world-beaters. No passion, urgency or energy. Embarrassing.”
His verdict captures the humiliation felt by the travelling contingent, who watched their side outclassed comprehensively.
Simon offered a slightly more measured take, acknowledging absences:
“Forest had an off day and missed Neco Williams and Murillo.”
He reiterated defensive woes—
“Morato gives possession away far too easily and I think it’s time up for him”
but spotted a silver lining:
“On the plus side, Lucca looks an interesting addition up front. He scored on his debut and he’s a big distraction to the opposition defenders just because of his height. Let’s see what the next couple of matches bring.”
Despite this glimmer, the prevailing mood among Forest fans was one of urgency and disillusionment, demanding swift rectification.
How Did Daniel Farke’s Management Shape the Game?
Leeds fans repeatedly credited Farke with masterminding the success, portraying him as the architect of a revitalised side. As James noted, Farke’s Norwich tenure lingers as motivation: a previous Premier League promotion that soured, now channelled into Leeds’s campaign. Olivia’s praise for the “really well managed” team aligns with this, as does Andy’s view of Farke as an “astute and clever tactician” evolving under pressure.
Peter’s trust—”In Daniel Farke we trust”—resonates across the fanbase, positioning him as the steady hand navigating a “brutal league.” Reports from the match, including Jayden Bogle’s training-ground goal, further illustrate Farke’s preparation paying dividends. For Forest, Sean Dyche faced the ire, with Peter decrying his lack of ideas and Tom implying selection missteps exacerbated vulnerabilities.
What Role Did Key Players Play in the Outcome?
Standout mentions dotted the verdicts. For Leeds, James Justin’s defence of Aaronson symbolised the team’s protectiveness, per Olivia. Dan James’s return injected pace and threat, while the collective chance creation hinted at untapped potential. Forest’s Lorenzo Lucca impressed Simon despite the loss—”he scored on his debut”—his physicality troubling defenders.
Critics targeted Stefan Ortega’s starting role (Tom), Morato’s errors (Tom, Simon), and the benching of Omari Hutchinson (Tom). Absences like Neco Williams and Murillo compounded issues, per Simon, rendering Forest susceptible.
Who Stands Out as Heroes and Villains?
Leeds heroes emerged in unity: Farke’s leadership, Justin’s resolve, James’s verve, and the crowd’s roar. Olivia encapsulated the joy: “three is plenty… for now.” Forest’s villain was Morato, a “liability” (Tom) whose possession gifts proved costly. Lucca offered redemption—”an interesting addition” (Simon)—but Dyche’s tactics drew universal scorn.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Leeds eyes Chelsea, with Andy’s “Roll on, Chelsea!” signalling optimism. Olivia craves “more evening games” amid the buzz. Forest faces a reckoning—Tom’s “Something needs to change on Wednesday,” Peter’s plea for ideas, and Simon’s hope in upcoming matches. Bob’s “Embarrassing” lingers as a rallying cry or warning.
This 3-1 scoreline, dissected through unfiltered fan lenses, reveals a chasm: Leeds ascending with belief, Forest teetering on turmoil. As the Premier League grinds on, these verdicts from Olivia, Peter, James, Andy, Tom, Peter, Bob, and Simon—gleaned across supporter forums and match reports—encapsulate the visceral stakes.
