Stuart Dallas believes Leeds United's 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest was a 'huge' moment in their season.
The Whites took a 3-0 lead inside 49 minutes at Elland Road, thanks to goals from Jayden Bogle, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with Lorenzo Lucca’s late strike for the visitors nothing more than a consolation.
While Leeds are still 16th, Friday’s win moves them three points clear of Forest, who are perched just three points outside the relegation zone in 17th, while maintaining a six-point gap on West Ham, who beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to continue their recent upturn in form.
Leeds earn huge ‘psychological boost’ in Forest win
Defeat on Friday would have been disastrous for Leeds, especially at home, dragging them further into the relegation fight, while burning a fixture at Elland Road in which Daniel Farke would have earmarked three points.
But United looked in control for almost the entire 90 minutes, dealing a huge blow to one of their closest rivals this season. And what is a blow for one is a boost for another, with this result perhaps even allowing everyone at Leeds to seriously think about the prospect of still being a Premier League outfit next season.
"It's huge for the club. We talked about how big the game was and what it would mean to both sides if they could get a win,” former Leeds full-back Dallas told Sky Sports.
Dallas - who played 267 times for the Whites between 2015 and 2024 - continued: "Leeds were excellent throughout the game. Psychologically it's a big boost for them.
"Difficult conditions tonight. The pitch, the wind, the rain. They put a lot of effort into that. A huge, huge win for the football club."
What next for Leeds United?
Friday’s win over Forest was the perfect way for Leeds to bounce back after being thrashed 4-0 at Elland Road by Arsenal, and surrendering the lead to draw 1-1 at Everton.
It’ll also serve as a huge boost given the tough run Farke’s side have coming up, with consecutive away games at Chelsea and Aston Villa next, either side of an FA Cup trip to Birmingham City. After that, Leeds host Manchester City, before kicking off March with Sunderland at home and Crystal Palace away.
Leeds United’s next 5 fixtures
10th Feb: Chelsea (A) - Premier League
15th Feb: Birmingham City (A) - FA Cup
21st Feb: Aston Villa (A) - Premier League
28th Feb: Man City (H) - Premier League
3rd Mar: Sunderland (H) - Premier League
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