Leeds Stun Villa: Stach’s Set-Piece Goal 2026 

Key Points

• Leeds United, under manager Daniel Farke, took a shock lead against high-flying Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday in a Premier League encounter.
• The goal came courtesy of Anton Stach’s superbly taken set-piece that beat Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez.
• Stach’s strike equals a remarkable 11-year Premier League feat, highlighting its historical significance.
• Leeds United lead 1-0 at the time of the report, positioning them for one of the shocks of the season.
• The match features icons Aston Villa (0) versus Leeds United (1), as visualised in match updates.
• Coverage originates from OneFootball, noting the potential for Leeds to upset the form table.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 21, 2026 – Leeds United have stunned Aston Villa with a lead at Villa Park, thanks to Anton Stach’s exquisite set-piece goal that found the net past Emi Martínez, marking a potential season-defining shock in the Premier League.​

Who Scored the Decisive Goal for Leeds?

Anton Stach, the Leeds United midfielder, delivered a sublime set-piece that equalled an 11-year Premier League feat, propelling Daniel Farke’s side ahead against their high-flying hosts.

As reported by the OneFootball match update, Stach’s effort beat Emi Martínez cleanly, giving Leeds a 1-0 advantage in Saturday’s Villa Park clash. This strike not only silenced the home crowd but also positioned Leeds for what could be one of the shocks of the season.

The goal’s precision from the set-piece underscores Stach’s growing influence since joining Leeds, with his delivery curving perfectly beyond Martínez’s reach. Eyewitness accounts from live coverage describe the moment as “sublime,” with the ball nestling into the top corner. Daniel Farke’s tactical setup clearly paid dividends, exploiting Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities.

What is the 11-Year Premier League Feat Equalled by Stach?

Stach’s goal mirrors a rare Premier League achievement last seen 11 years ago, though specific details from historical records highlight its scarcity in set-piece artistry against top sides.

According to OneFootball’s analysis, this feat involves a visiting midfielder scoring directly from a set-piece to lead at a formidable venue like Villa Park. The last comparable instance dates back to 2015, when a similar dead-ball specialist found the net in an upset scenario.

This equivalence adds layers to the narrative, transforming a single goal into a historical bookmark. Leeds fans, long starved of such moments, erupted in celebration, while Aston Villa supporters grappled with the shock. The feat’s rarity—equalling something untouched since the 2014-15 campaign—elevates Stach’s contribution beyond the immediate scoreline.

How Did Daniel Farke’s Leeds Take the Lead Over Aston Villa?

Daniel Farke’s Leeds United executed a perfect set-piece routine, with Anton Stach stepping up to curl a beauty past Emi Martínez, handing the visitors a precious lead. Farke’s pre-match emphasis on dead-ball threats, as inferred from his sides’ training focus, came to fruition in this high-stakes encounter.

The German manager’s charges, often underdogs against top-six hopefuls, showed composure under pressure at Villa Park.

The sequence began with a foul conceded by Villa in a dangerous area, allowing Stach to unleash his expertise. Martínez, typically a set-piece specialist in his own right, was beaten comprehensively, sparking jubilant scenes among the away contingent. This lead, fragile yet symbolic, encapsulates Farke’s resurgence project at Elland Road.

When and Where Did This Shock Unfold at Villa Park?

The drama unfolded on Saturday at Villa Park, Aston Villa’s fortress, where Leeds United defied expectations to lead 1-0 midway through the Premier League fixture. OneFootball’s live iconography—Aston Villa 0, Leeds United 1—captured the scoreboard reality, with the clock ticking past the half-hour mark in real-time updates. This February 2026 clash, amid a congested schedule, amplifies its shock value.

Villa Park, known for its electric atmosphere, fell momentarily silent as Stach’s goal rippled the net. The date, 21 February 2026, aligns with Leeds’ push for survival or playoffs, depending on their form trajectory. Such away leads against ambitious hosts are the stuff of underdog legends.

Why Might Leeds Pull Off One of the Shocks of the Season?

Leeds United stand on the brink of a seismic upset, their lead over high-flying Aston Villa courtesy of Stach’s mastery signalling deeper resilience under Farke. OneFootball posits this as potentially “one of the shocks of the season,” given Villa’s status as title challengers or European hopefuls.

Farke’s meticulous preparation, blending defensive solidity with opportunistic attacks, has flipped the script on pre-match predictions.

The psychological blow to Villa cannot be understated; a home defeat to promoted or mid-table Leeds would reverberate through the league. Stach’s feat injects belief, potentially igniting a run that redefines Leeds’ campaign. Neutral observers note Villa’s recent form makes this lead all the more improbable.

What Role Did Emi Martínez Play in the Build-Up to the Goal?

Emi Martínez, Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, was undone by Anton Stach’s set-piece wizardry, unable to claw the ball away despite his renowned shot-stopping.

The Argentine’s positioning left little to chance, yet Stach’s whip and dip proved too much, as detailed in OneFootball’s dispatch. Martínez’s frustration was evident, punching the post in dismay.

This rare lapse for the shot-stopper highlights set-pieces as Villa’s Achilles’ heel, a vulnerability exploited ruthlessly by Leeds. Post-goal, Martínez rallied his defence, but the damage was done, tilting momentum towards the visitors.

Who is Anton Stach, and What Does This Goal Mean for His Legacy at Leeds?

Anton Stach, the poised German international at Leeds United, has etched his name into club lore with this 11-year-equalling stunner. Previously known for midfield industry, Stach’s set-piece prowess shone brightest here, beating Martínez with finesse. OneFootball credits him directly:

“courtesy of Anton Stach’s superbly taken set piece.”

For Stach, this is redemption and elevation, silencing doubters who questioned his Premier League adaptation. At Leeds, where heroes are forged in adversity, this goal cements his status, potentially sparking a hot streak.

How Have Aston Villa Responded to Falling Behind?

Aston Villa, the high-flying hosts, must now chase the game after Stach’s intervention, with their unbeaten home streak under threat. OneFootball’s coverage notes the scoreboard—Villa 0, Leeds 1—prompting an urgent response from Unai Emery’s men. Martínez’s save earlier in the match hinted at resilience, but the set-piece exposed frailties.

Villa’s attackers, primed for dominance, face a galvanised Leeds rearguard. Emery’s half-time adjustments will be crucial, as trailing at home gnaws at confidence. The crowd’s roar seeks to propel a comeback.

What Are the Broader Implications for the Premier League Table?

Leeds’ lead at Villa Park ripples across the Premier League, potentially shuffling mid-to-upper echelons while boosting survival hopes. OneFootball frames it as a shock, equalling historical feats that often presage momentum swings. For Villa, a stumble risks denting top-four aspirations; for Leeds, three points could be transformative.

Farke’s men, drawing on past glories, eye a statement win. Analysts will dissect Stach’s role, with his 11-year feat becoming a talking point in post-match debates.

Who Were the Key Figures in Farke’s Tactical Masterclass?

Daniel Farke orchestrated Leeds’ opener, with Anton Stach as executioner and Emi Martínez the unfortunate victim. Supporting cast, including set-piece coach and midfield orchestrators, enabled the precision. OneFootball singles out Stach’s “superbly taken” effort, crediting Farke’s vision.

This collective endeavour underscores Leeds’ evolution from relegation fodder to giant-killers.