Leeds 3-1 Forest: Farke Demands More After Buonanotte Shock

Key Points

• Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager, demands his team “go for it” against a defensively solid Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash.
• Farke made only one change to the starting lineup from the side that suffered a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, enforced by Anton Stach’s hip injury.
• Noah Okafor replaced Stach in the starting XI, with Brenden Aaronson shifting to join Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev in central midfield.
• The match context involves Leeds United hosting Nottingham Forest at Elland Road, amid a critical Premier League survival battle as of February 2026.
• Post-match reports confirm Leeds secured a 3-1 victory, with goals from Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (scoring his 10th league goal), and another from Ilia Gruev’s assist.
• Leeds moved nine points clear of the relegation zone following the win, boosting their survival hopes significantly.
• A shock decision regarding Facundo Buonanotte, potentially involving his exclusion or tactical shift, prompted Farke’s bold demand, though specifics remain tied to lineup adjustments.
• Farke described Nottingham Forest as “typically tight,” highlighting their defensive resilience.
• The game featured standout moments like Bogle’s training-ground perfected opening goal and a dominant second-half performance by Leeds under rainy conditions at Elland Road.
• Reports credit Aaron Bower of The Guardian for live coverage detailing Leeds’ emphatic performance and Forest’s lacklustre showing.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 7, 2026 – Daniel Farke has called on his Leeds United players to seize the initiative against a stubborn Nottingham Forest defence, following a tactical tweak necessitated by injury and amid speculation over Facundo Buonanotte’s role.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke urged his side to “go for it” in their pivotal Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest. As reported by Kyle Newbould of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke made just one alteration to the team that capitulated 4-0 against Arsenal the previous weekend. That change was enforced, with midfielder Anton Stach sidelined by a hip injury and replaced by Noah Okafor in the starting lineup. Brenden Aaronson duly dropped into central midfield alongside Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

What was Daniel Farke’s key demand ahead of the match?

Farke’s pre-match rallying cry centred on aggression against Forest’s renowned defensive setup.

“Daniel Farke wants his Leeds United side to ‘go for it’ against a typically tight Nottingham Forest side,”

noted Kyle Newbould in the Yorkshire Evening Post article titled “Daniel Farke makes Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest demand after shock Facundo Buonanotte decision.” This demand came in the wake of a “shock Facundo Buonanotte decision,” which sources link to potential benching or tactical redeployment, though exact details on Buonanotte’s status were not explicitly outlined beyond broader lineup shifts.​

The German manager’s words underscored Leeds’ need to break down a Forest team known for compactness at the back. Farke’s philosophy emphasises proactive football, particularly at home, where Elland Road’s atmosphere can overwhelm opponents. This approach aligns with Leeds’ recent form, pushing them towards Premier League safety.

Why did Farke make only one change to the lineup?

Injury dictated Farke’s hand. As detailed by Kyle Newbould of the Yorkshire Evening Post, “Farke made just one change from the side that lost 4-0 to Arsenal last weekend and it was enforced, with Anton Stach out due to a hip injury.” Stach’s absence opened the door for Noah Okafor to start, injecting pace into the attack.​

Brenden Aaronson’s versatility shone through as he joined Ampadu and Gruev in midfield, maintaining defensive solidity while enabling fluid transitions. This minimal adjustment reflected Farke’s trust in his core squad despite the Arsenal thrashing, prioritising continuity over wholesale rotation. The “shock Facundo Buonanotte decision” appears tied here, possibly seeing the winger sidelined to accommodate Okafor’s inclusion, though no direct quote confirms Buonanotte’s exact exclusion.

How did the match unfold at Elland Road?

Leeds dominated proceedings in their 3-1 triumph. Aaron Bower of The Guardian reported live from “rainy West Yorkshire,” capturing the electric atmosphere: “Daniel Farke’s side proved too strong for Forest as they took a giant step towards safety at a rocking Elland Road.” Jayden Bogle opened the scoring with a “perfect” goal straight from the training ground, as analysed in The New York Times’ The Athletic by their Leeds correspondent: “Jayden Bogle’s opening goal for Leeds against Nottingham Forest was perfect — and straight from the training ground.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead on 49 minutes, heading in from Ilia Gruev’s left-footed delivery. “HE’S HEADED THAT IN! Following Gruev’s left-footed strike,” Bower noted in real-time updates. Reuters confirmed the final scoreline: “Leeds beat Forest 3-1 to move nine points clear of relegation zone,” with Calvert-Lewin notching his 10th Premier League goal of the season. Forest managed a consolation, but Leeds’ second-half surge sealed a crucial win.

A rare Forest error sparked Leeds’ right-flank onslaught, where Bogle recovered the ball and sustained momentum. Bower detailed:

“A rare error involving the ball initiated the Leeds offensive on their right flank, where Bogle quickly intervened at his ankles and subsequently maintained the momentum for the home team.”​

What impact did the victory have on Leeds United’s season?

The result propelled Leeds nine points above danger. Reuters’ match report stated: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season as hosts Leeds United claimed an emphatic 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.” This buffer offers breathing room in a tight relegation scrap, validating Farke’s high-risk strategy.​

Elland Road erupted under the downpour, with Bower concluding:

“Leeds United celebrated under the downpour, delivering a significant impact in the battle for Premier League survival. Nottingham Forest supporters might find this weekend less than pleasant following their team’s lacklustre performance tonight.”

Farke’s demand to “go for it” paid dividends, shifting momentum decisively.​

Who were the standout performers for Leeds?

Ilia Gruev and Jayden Bogle earned plaudits. The Athletic hailed Bogle’s opener as “worthy of winning any Premier League game.” Gruev’s assist for Calvert-Lewin’s header proved pivotal, as per Bower: “GOAL! Leeds 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Calvert-Lewin, 49).” Okafor’s start justified the change, complementing Aaronson’s midfield graft.

Calvert-Lewin’s clinical finishing marked his milestone, per Reuters. These contributions embodied Farke’s vision, blending defensive resilience with attacking flair against Forest’s “tight” setup.​

What does this mean for Nottingham Forest’s survival bid?

Forest’s defeat exposed vulnerabilities. Described as “lacklustre” by Bower, their typically solid defence crumbled. The loss hampers their own escape efforts, contrasting Leeds’ surge.​

Farke’s assessment rang true, forcing Forest into damage limitation. As Newbould reported, Forest’s tightness was breached emphatically.​

How does the Buonanotte decision fit into Farke’s tactics?

The “shock Facundo Buonanotte decision” looms large. While not directly quoted in sources, it catalysed Farke’s demand, per the Yorkshire Evening Post headline. Likely a bench role to prioritise Okafor, it underscores Farke’s pragmatism amid injuries.​

This flexibility defines Leeds’ campaign, adapting to Stach’s absence without panic.

What next for Leeds United under Farke?

Farke’s men eye consolidation. The win, as per Reuters, positions them strongly. Continued execution of his “go for it” mantra could cement Premier League status.​

Bower’s wrap-up encapsulated the mood: “This wraps up our live coverage… Until we meet again!” Leeds fans savour a statement victory.​