Leeds United took yet another significant step towards Premier League safety with a huge 3-1 victory over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest under the lights at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side were clinical in key moments, racing into a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Ilia Gruev was central to much of the good work, providing two assists, while the Whites showed enough resilience late on to ensure Lorenzo Lucca’s goal proved nothing more than a consolation.
With three points secured, Leeds fans will now look to their next league game away to Chelsea - looking to do the double over the Blues.
Karl Darlow - 7.5
The experienced goalkeeper delivered exactly what was required. Produced four important saves in the first half, including one outstanding stop to keep Forest at bay, and had little chance with the late goal.
Darlow added another fine intervention near the end, although he will be frustrated to have dropped a cross. A strong, steady presence.
James Justin - 8
Operating from the right of the defence, Justin gave Leeds real thrust going forward in tandem with Bogle.
The Englishman showed lovely composure to help create Okafor’s finish and later fashioned a glorious opening for Calvert-Lewin. Balanced his attacking intent with solid defensive work.
Joe Rodon - 8
A typically committed display. Rodon relished the physical battle and made a number of important interventions, even if there was one sloppy clearance off Gibbs-White in the first half.
Beaten in the air by Lucca for the goal, but otherwise dependable.
Pascal Struijk - 9
A leader at the back. The Dutchman attacked the ball, won headers, stepped in front of forwards and was assured in possession.
Struijk carried it out when space opened up and set the tone for Leeds’ defensive authority.
Jayden Bogle - 8.5
Bogle took his goal superbly, timing his run perfectly before applying a confident finish.
The 25-year-old defended with aggression, offered width and combined brilliantly with Justin throughout. An all-action performance.
Ethan Ampadu - 8
Classy and combative in equal measure yet again from the Welshman. The captain snapped into tackles, used the ball intelligently and provided vital protection in front of the defence. Led by example.
Ilia Gruev - 9 [MOTM]
An outstanding evening. The Bulgarian was everywhere, fighting for second balls and keeping Leeds ticking over, but it was his creativity that really caught the eye with two assists.
Took a blow to the face and simply carried on. Tireless.
Gabriel Gudmundsson - 8
Electric in the first half, constantly asking questions down the flank and helping Leeds build momentum.
Quieter after the break but still diligent defensively. Couldn’t quite get tight enough to prevent the cross for Forest’s goal.
Brenden Aaronson - 7
There were moments of hesitation where Aaronson was caught in possession a few times, yet his work rate never dipped.
Covered huge ground, absorbed contact and contributed to the move that led to the second goal.
Noah Okafor - 8
Arguably his most complete performance for the club from the summer signing.
A threat in behind, sharp in the box to score, and fully committed to the defensive side of the game too. Constantly involved.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 9
A powerful display from the striker. Led the line superbly, improvised brilliantly for his goal and was unlucky not to add another.
Also put in a real shift tracking back when required.
Substitutes
Daniel James - 7
Immediately stretched Forest with his pace and direct running. Created problems, though the end product just eluded him.
Sean Longstaff - 6
Worked hard as Leeds began to protect their lead but was beaten a little too easily on a couple of occasions as pressure grew.
Sebastiaan Bornauw - N/A
Introduced late on to deal with Forest’s aerial threat and helped see out the closing moments.