Nottingham Forest fans have been left frustrated after Leeds United inflicted a second defeat at the City Ground in just four days, piling more pressure on new manager Oliver Glasner and raising fresh concerns about Forest’s attack, squad depth and defensive mistakes.
The first setback came in the Premier League opener on Saturday, when Anton Stach’s 88th-minute free-kick gave Leeds a 1-0 victory. Forest then had the chance to respond immediately in the Carabao Cup—but instead suffered another defeat, this time 2-0, as Dan James and James Justin scored in the second half. (Leeds United)
For supporters, the second loss was particularly difficult to accept.
Nottingham Forest Fans Furious After Leeds Defeat
Forest supporters had hoped that Glasner’s arrival would signal the beginning of a new era.
Instead, the opening two competitive matches under the former Crystal Palace manager have produced two defeats, no goals scored and two goals conceded.
The back-to-back losses have naturally intensified concerns among supporters.
The Premier League defeat was particularly painful because Forest remained in the contest for most of the match before Stach’s late free-kick decided it. Several Forest supporters subsequently complained about the team’s inability to turn possession and opportunities into goals.
Then came Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat.
This time there was no late heartbreak.
Leeds simply found a way through Forest twice after the break.
What Happened Between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United?
The first meeting took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the City Ground.
The match appeared to be heading toward a goalless draw until Leeds midfielder Anton Stach produced a stunning late free-kick in the 88th minute.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Leeds United.
Stach’s effort caught goalkeeper Matz Sels out and gave Leeds all three points.
Forest had opportunities of their own.
Igor Jesus and Chris Wood both had chances, but Forest could not convert them.
That inability to score became one of the biggest talking points after the game.
Forest Fans’ Biggest Complaint: The Attack
One of the clearest concerns among supporters is Forest’s lack of attacking threat.
The club created opportunities against Leeds but failed to turn them into goals.
A BBC fan reaction highlighted the frustration, with supporters pointing to familiar problems involving creating and finishing chances. Another fan argued that the squad still appeared to be short of a quality striker.
That is significant.
A new manager can change tactics.
He can change the formation.
He can change personnel.
But if chances continue to go unfinished, the results may remain the same.
“The Same Old Problems” – Forest Supporters Frustrated
The reaction from supporters suggests that the frustration is not solely about losing to Leeds.
It is about the way Forest lost.
One fan described the defeat as evidence of the same problems continuing despite the managerial change, particularly the team’s difficulty creating and finishing chances and vulnerability to defensive mistakes.
That is exactly the type of criticism Glasner will want to avoid.
A new manager normally receives patience.
But patience becomes harder to maintain when supporters believe they are watching problems they have already seen before.
Did Nottingham Forest Deserve to Lose the First Match?
That is debatable.
Forest had chances and could easily have taken something from the match.
However, Leeds were arguably the more threatening side for long periods and ultimately showed greater efficiency.
Forest’s problem was simple:
They did not score when their opportunities arrived.
Leeds did.
And when Stach’s free-kick found the net in the 88th minute, the difference between the two teams became decisive.
Oliver Glasner’s Dream Start Turns Into a Nightmare
Glasner arrived at Forest with considerable expectations.
The Austrian manager has already demonstrated that he can build competitive teams, particularly during his successful spell at Crystal Palace.
But his Forest tenure could hardly have started more painfully.
His first Premier League match ended in defeat.
His second competitive match also ended in defeat.
And both came against the same opponent.
The second loss is arguably even more concerning because it occurred at the City Ground again.
Leeds Beat Forest Twice in Four Days
The Carabao Cup defeat transformed the situation from a disappointing opening-day result into a genuine early-season talking point.
Leeds returned to the City Ground on Tuesday and won 2-0.
Dan James opened the scoring in the 50th minute before James Justin added a second in the 75th.
The victory sent Leeds into the third round of the competition.
For Forest, it meant two defeats against the same opponent in the space of four days.
That is a difficult sequence for any team.
Why the Second Defeat Could Hurt More
Losing 1-0 to a late goal can sometimes be explained as an unfortunate result.
Losing 2-0 in the next meeting creates a different narrative.
Forest had another opportunity to respond.
Instead, Leeds found the breakthrough again.
This time, Forest failed to produce a goal of their own.
That could make supporters question whether the problems are deeper than one unlucky result.
Is Oliver Glasner Already Under Pressure?
It is far too early to talk seriously about Glasner’s job being in danger.
However, pressure naturally comes with consecutive defeats.
The Times reported that Glasner is already facing scrutiny after Forest’s second defeat to Leeds, while noting that he is the club’s fifth permanent manager in less than a year.
That managerial instability makes the situation particularly delicate.
Forest need continuity.
Glasner needs time.
But the team also needs results.
Glasner Admits Forest Need Time
Glasner has resisted the idea that he can immediately transform Forest into a completely different team.
Following the Premier League defeat, he effectively stressed that he could not simply press a button and turn Forest into an elite side overnight.
He also highlighted the limited time he has had with the squad.
That is an important point.
A new manager needs time to implement:
- A new tactical system
- New pressing patterns
- Defensive structures
- Attacking movements
- Fitness demands
- New roles for individual players
Two matches are not enough to judge whether those changes will ultimately work.
But Forest Fans Want to See Progress
This is where the tension lies.
Supporters understand that Glasner needs time.
But they also want evidence that the team is moving in the right direction.
At the moment, the scoreboard is not providing that evidence.
Two matches. Two defeats. Zero goals scored.
That is an uncomfortable start.
The next few Premier League matches will therefore be important for Glasner.
Did Forest Have Enough Quality in Attack?
This is perhaps the biggest squad question coming out of the Leeds games.
Forest had Chris Wood available and used Igor Jesus in the opening game, but the team still struggled to convert its opportunities.
One supporter specifically suggested Forest were short of a quality striker and needed two or three additions.
That does not necessarily mean Forest need to panic in the transfer market.
But if the team’s attacking problems continue, recruitment will inevitably become part of the conversation.
The Defensive Mistake That Cost Forest
Forest’s defensive problems were also highlighted after the first defeat.
Glasner criticized the unnecessary foul committed by Nikola Milenkovic that gave Leeds the free-kick.
Stach then punished Forest with a superb strike.
The manager also questioned whether Sels could have done more to prevent the goal.
It was a small moment with a massive consequence.
At Premier League level, those moments often decide matches.
Leeds Were More Clinical
This is probably the simplest explanation for the two results.
Forest had opportunities.
Leeds took theirs.
In the league match, Leeds waited until the 88th minute before finding the winner.
In the cup, they scored twice after half-time.
That efficiency has been one of the defining differences between the teams so far.
Why Forest Supporters Are Angry
The anger appears to be coming from several different issues rather than one incident.
1. Two defeats against Leeds
Losing twice to the same opponent in four days is naturally frustrating.
2. Forest have not scored
The lack of goals is perhaps the biggest concern.
3. Familiar problems remain
Some fans believe the same weaknesses from last season are still visible.
4. The home advantage has disappeared
Both defeats came at the City Ground.
5. The new era has started badly
Supporters expected Glasner to bring immediate improvement.
Instead, the opening results have been disappointing.
Is It Time for Forest to Panic?
No.
It is August.
The Premier League season has only just begun.
Two defeats do not determine an entire campaign.
Forest also have a new manager who is still learning about his players and implementing his ideas.
However, the defeats should not simply be dismissed.
They have identified genuine areas that Forest need to improve.
The challenge for Glasner is making those improvements quickly enough to prevent frustration from becoming a larger crisis.
What Needs to Change at Nottingham Forest?
There are several obvious areas.
Improve Chance Creation
Forest need to create more consistent opportunities.
Finish Chances
Creating chances is pointless if they are not converted.
Reduce Defensive Errors
Giving away avoidable free-kicks in dangerous positions can be costly.
Improve Squad Depth
The manager needs quality options across the pitch.
Build Confidence
Two defeats can quickly affect confidence, particularly among new players.
Give the System Time
The players need to become comfortable with Glasner’s tactical approach.
The Positive for Nottingham Forest
Despite the anger, there are reasons not to overreact.
The season has only just started.
Forest have a manager with a strong reputation.
The squad contains quality players.
And the Premier League provides plenty of opportunities to recover from a poor start.
The biggest positive from the first match was that Forest were competitive for most of the contest.
The problem was turning that competitiveness into goals and points.
Leeds Have Started the Season Strongly
The story is also about Leeds.
Daniel Farke’s side has now beaten Forest twice in four days.
The Premier League victory was Leeds’ first top-flight away win at Forest since 1971, according to reports.
Leeds then returned to the same stadium and won again in the Carabao Cup.
That is an impressive start to their season.
The club’s summer recruitment also appears to be paying early dividends, with new goalkeeper James Trafford among those praised for his performance in the first league meeting.
Could This Become a Bigger Problem for Forest?
It depends on what happens next.
If Forest respond with a strong performance and a victory in their next league match, the Leeds defeats may quickly become a footnote.
But if the team continues to struggle to score and collect points, supporters will naturally become more concerned.
The pressure on Glasner would then increase.
That is why the next few weeks could be crucial.
What Happens Next for Nottingham Forest?
Forest must now put the Leeds double-header behind them.
The priority is the Premier League.
The Carabao Cup defeat eliminates one competition, but it also means Glasner can focus more heavily on the league.
The objective is simple:
Start collecting points.
The longer Forest wait for their first win, the louder the questions will become.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United score?
Leeds United beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the Premier League on August 22, 2026. Anton Stach scored the winner in the 88th minute.
Did Leeds beat Nottingham Forest again?
Yes. Leeds beat Forest 2-0 in the Carabao Cup on August 25, 2026, with goals from Dan James and James Justin.
Why are Nottingham Forest fans angry?
Supporters have expressed frustration about the team’s lack of goals, missed chances, defensive mistakes and the fact that Forest have now lost twice to Leeds in four days.
Is Oliver Glasner under pressure?
It is very early in his Forest tenure, so it would be premature to suggest his job is seriously under threat. However, consecutive defeats have inevitably increased scrutiny.
Who scored Leeds’ Premier League winner?
Anton Stach scored an 88th-minute free-kick to give Leeds a 1-0 victory.
What is Nottingham Forest’s biggest problem right now?
The biggest concern is arguably the lack of attacking output. Forest failed to score in either of their two matches against Leeds.
Final Thoughts
Nottingham Forest fans have every reason to be frustrated—but it is too early to declare a crisis.
The back-to-back defeats against Leeds have exposed some familiar weaknesses.
Forest struggled to finish chances in the Premier League opener before conceding a late free-kick. Four days later, they failed to score again and lost 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
For Glasner, the message is clear.
The new era needs to start producing results.
The manager deserves time to implement his ideas, but Forest cannot afford for the same problems to continue indefinitely.
Two games do not define a season. But two defeats to the same opponent have certainly given Nottingham Forest plenty to think about.
