Nottingham Forest 3–1 Leeds United: Awoniyi, Danilo, and Wood Fire Forest to Commanding Home Win

Introduction

The City Ground was rocking as Nottingham Forest produced one of their most complete performances of the season, powering past Leeds United with a 3–1 victory in the 2025 Premier League campaign. From the very first whistle, Forest played with confidence and attacking flair, feeding off the energy of their passionate home crowd.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side struck twice in the first half through Taiwo Awoniyi and Danilo before substitute Chris Wood sealed the win late on. Despite a spirited response from Leeds and a fine strike from Wilfried Gnonto, Forest’s dominance and tactical organisation proved too strong. This result not only cements Forest’s impressive home form but also strengthens their growing European ambitions.

First-Half Control: Forest Strike Early and Take Command

Forest made their intentions clear from the outset — fast transitions, high pressing, and quick ball movement. The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White’s pinpoint cross found Taiwo Awoniyi, who rose brilliantly to glance a header beyond Illan Meslier. The home fans erupted as Forest took a deserved 1–0 lead.

Their momentum continued to build, and just 11 minutes later, Danilo doubled the advantage. The Brazilian midfielder picked up a loose ball outside the area and unleashed a precise low drive that nestled into the bottom corner. It was a goal that epitomized Forest’s control and composure in possession.

Leeds, on the back foot, struggled to cope with the intensity and sharpness of Forest’s attack as Nuno’s men went into the break firmly in control of proceedings.

Leeds’ Response: Gnonto Pulls One Back Before Half-Time

Just when it seemed Forest might run away with the contest, Leeds found a route back into the game. In the 42nd minute, Wilfried Gnonto capitalized on a brief lapse in concentration to slot home from close range.

The goal reignited the visitors’ belief and momentarily silenced the City Ground. Daniel Farke’s men carried that momentum into the interval, giving themselves a lifeline and setting up a more balanced second half.

Second-Half Battle: Wood Delivers the Knockout Blow

Leeds began the second half brightly, pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equalizer. However, Forest’s defensive structure held strong, with Willy Boly and Joe Worrall expertly managing the aerial duels. Goalkeeper Matt Turner also looked assured, commanding his area whenever Leeds delivered crosses.

As the half wore on, Nuno made changes to inject fresh energy — and it paid off. In the 75th minute, substitute Chris Wood made an immediate impact. Meeting a deep cross from the left, the New Zealand striker powered a header past Meslier to restore Forest’s two-goal cushion.

The stadium exploded with joy, and from that point, there was no way back for Leeds. The home side controlled the final minutes with maturity, seeing out a victory that underlined their growing confidence under Espírito Santo.

Post-Match Reaction and Premier League Implications

After the match, a delighted Nuno Espírito Santo praised his team’s discipline and execution.

“It was a complete performance,” he said. “We were aggressive, clinical, and defended as a unit. The players deserved this result.”

Daniel Farke, meanwhile, lamented Leeds’ defensive lapses.

“We showed character to get back into the game, but our mistakes in key moments cost us,” he admitted. “At this level, you can’t give away easy goals.”

The result lifts Nottingham Forest into the top half of the Premier League table, strengthening their push toward European qualification. For Leeds, however, the defeat leaves them hovering above the relegation zone, emphasizing the need for greater consistency as the season progresses.

Conclusion

A statement win for Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Goals from Awoniyi, Danilo, and substitute Chris Wood delivered a dominant 3–1 triumph over Leeds United, reaffirming Forest’s home strength and tactical evolution under Nuno Espírito Santo.

Leeds showed flashes of promise, particularly through Gnonto’s strike, but were ultimately outplayed by a more clinical and composed Forest side. As the season continues, Forest’s fans will hope this performance marks the beginning of a sustained push up the Premier League table.