DISCOVER WHY DANIEL FARKE CALLED THE FOREST WIN "A TOP PERFORMANCE
Daniel Farke describes Leeds United's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest as "massive" as they move nine points clear of the drop zone.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke called it a “massive win” after his team beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Elland Road. That puts Leeds nine points clear of the relegation zone—not a bad place to be at this point in the season.
Jayden Bogle got his first Premier League goal for Leeds, and Noah Okafor added another just a few minutes later in the first half. Suddenly, Leeds had control of the game. Early in the second half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin bagged his tenth league goal of the season. Forest’s new signing, Lorenzo Lucca, did manage a late header, but it was just a consolation. Forest stays just above the drop—still not safe.
After the match, Farke didn’t try to hide his pride. “Honestly, I’m really proud. This was a tough one for us, especially after getting hammered 4-0 by Arsenal last time out. Sure, it was Arsenal, but losing always knocks your confidence a bit. It’s never easy to bounce back, and that made today tricky.
Plus, you could feel there was more at stake than just three points. Some games matter a bit more, you know? Today was one of them. And for the lads to step up like this, to play with that much energy and control—it was a top performance.
Wins like this lift everyone. The confidence, the belief, the spirit in the group—it was all there today. That’s why it’s such a huge win.”
Farke had special praise for Ilia Gruev and Noah Okafor. “Ilia looked so sharp in training this week. He’s always reliable, always gives you a solid game, but today—two assists, loads of key passes—he was just brilliant.
And Noah, that was one of his best games for us. He can take players on, he can score, and he can set things up. We know what he can do, but today he also worked so hard off the ball, winning it back. That made a big difference.”
On the other side, Forest boss Sean Dyche thought his team were just starting to get into the game when Leeds struck with those quick goals. Still, he admitted Leeds deserved the win.
“We expected them to come out fast, and I thought we handled it pretty well at first,” Dyche said. “We were having our best spell, which is why it’s so frustrating to let in that first goal—especially when we were finally putting them under pressure.
That third goal really finished us. At 2-0, you think maybe you can get one back and change the game, but then we let in another poor goal at the back.
If there’s anything positive to take, it’s that we kept fighting right to the end.”
HOW DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN RECLAIMED HIS ENGLAND SPOT AFTER ELLAND ROAD SUCCESS
Dominic Calvert-Lewin earns his first England call-up since Euro 2020 after scoring 10 goals for Leeds United in 2026.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad feels like a well-earned milestone after his breakthrough season at Elland Road. Scoring 10 goals in 28 Premier League matches this term, he’s become the first Leeds player called up since Kalvin Phillips.
When asked about the national team news in an exclusive chat, Calvert-Lewin’s smile said it all. He admitted he’s still processing the reality of joining the squad again after a long journey to get recognition. “It’s hard to put into words,” he said. “I’m probably not really taking it in yet.”
Tuchel’s 35-player roster marks Calvert-Lewin’s first England call-up since the Euro 2020 squad, where England finished runners-up after that heartbreaking penalty shootout with Italy. The forward shared how Tuchel broke the news during a brief video call the night before the announcement, explaining the plans for the upcoming week and the chance to impress. For Calvert-Lewin, it’s an opportunity he’s eager to seize.
Since moving to Leeds from Everton on a free transfer, he has made an immediate impact. Daniel Farke’s eighth summer signing has already netted 10 goals in 28 appearances for the Whites. December saw him honoured as Premier League Player of the Month after scoring six goals in five games.
Off the pitch, Calvert-Lewin has felt a special kind of support at Elland Road from teammates, staff, and fans. “I can’t say I’ve ever felt love like this,” he said, reflecting on his time in West Yorkshire. The genuine happiness from everyone around him has made a big difference. Still, he remains focused on the club’s goals and is proud that his form has earned a return to the England setup, but he is waiting to see how it feels if he gets to wear the shirt again.
Family plays a crucial role in his story, too. As a father, Calvert-Lewin acknowledges the support from his wife and daughter as key factors in getting back to his best. “I was a million miles away from where I am now not so long ago,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t be in this position without them.”
Looking ahead, Dominic is set to add to his 11 England caps. England’s upcoming fixtures see them face Uruguay on Friday night, followed by a match against Japan on Tuesday, where they might cross paths with Leeds teammate Ao Tanaka. It’s shaping up to be a significant period for him both personally and professionally.
HOW NECO WILLIAMS NAVIGATED FOUR FOREST MANAGERS TO FIND ELITE FORM
Neco Williams reflects on Nottingham Forest’s chaotic season and Europa League success ahead of a Wales World Cup play-off.
Neco Williams didn’t sugarcoat it; Nottingham Forest’s season has been anything but smooth. Beating Tottenham last Sunday gave them a much-needed lift, pushing them up to 16th in the table, three points clear of the drop zone with seven matches left. That win came right after they booked a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals by knocking out FC Midtjylland. Next up, after the international break, they head to Porto for the first leg of their last-eight tie on April 9.
It’s been nonstop for Vitor Pereira’s squad, juggling league matches and European nights. And it hasn’t helped that Pereira is the fourth head coach they’ve hired this season. The players have barely had time to adjust before the next new face arrives with new ideas and strategies.
Williams spoke to the BBC about the constant upheaval. “Every manager has his own way,” he said. “You just have to be ready for the next one and really take on board whatever they bring. Four managers, four styles – you can’t dwell on it. You have to go with it, get used to it, and move forward.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Williams admitted, “We’re not where we want to be. After last season, nobody expected us to end up here.” They’re trying to handle Premier League games, Europa League fixtures, and all those cup ties earlier this year. It’s a lot, but honestly, it’s the price they pay for last season’s success. Still, he wishes they were further up the table.
He pointed out how much their schedule has changed, too. Last season, they’d play a once-a-week game, recovery, training, build-up, then another game. Now? It’s Wednesday, Saturday, Thursday, and Sunday. No real time to recover, no time to dig into tactics or study opponents. Just play, recover, play again – no let-up at all.
Now, with the international break, Williams shifts focus to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Wales play Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff semi-final on Thursday, and if they win, they’ll meet Italy or Northern Ireland for a spot in the finals.
Williams heads into those matches in strong form. He’s been one of Forest’s most consistent players this season. “Honestly, it’s probably one of my best seasons ever,” he said. “I only missed one Premier League game, and that was because I got sent off against Crystal Palace.”
Getting consistent performances hasn’t been easy for him in the past, but he feels he’s finally figured it out. “Especially this season and last, I’ve found that rhythm. I’m not having a great game one week and a bad one the next anymore. It’s steady, and that’s what you need in the Premier League.”
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