Lukas Nmecha brutally called out his teammate for never giving him the right pass during the loss to Nottingham Forest
Lukas Nmecha left frustrated as Nottingham Forest overpower Leeds United 3–1 at the City Ground
Leeds United’s struggles on the road continued as they fell to a 3–1 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, despite taking an early lead through Lukas Nmecha.
Sean Dyche’s Forest side came from behind to record their first Premier League win since the opening day of the season, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Sangaré, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Elliot Anderson.
Leeds start bright, but fade quickly
Leeds began the match with intensity and purpose. In the 13th minute, Lukas Nmecha pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home clinically from close range, giving the visitors a deserved lead and silencing the home crowd early on.
However, their advantage lasted barely two minutes. Forest equalised almost instantly when Ibrahim Sangaré reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Leeds penalty area, firing past Illan Meslier to make it 1–1.
The remainder of the first half was scrappy, with Forest enjoying more possession but struggling to create clear chances. Leeds, meanwhile, sat deep and looked to hit on the break, but their attacking movements lacked fluidity and cohesion.
Forest’s pressure pays off
The hosts finally took control midway through the second half. Substitute Omari Hutchinson added energy down the right flank and delivered a superb cross in the 68th minute, which Morgan Gibbs-White met with a powerful header to put Forest in front.
Leeds pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left gaps at the back, and their lack of precision in the final third proved costly. Deep into stoppage time, Hutchinson was brought down in the box, and Elliot Anderson coolly converted from the spot to seal a 3–1 win for Forest.
The result lifts Dyche’s men closer to safety, while Leeds remain hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone — a concern for manager Daniel Farke, who will be frustrated by his side’s inability to capitalise after taking an early lead.
Nmecha voices his frustration
Despite scoring Leeds’ only goal, Lukas Nmecha cut a frustrated figure after the game. Speaking to reporters, the striker didn’t hide his disappointment over the lack of service he received in key moments.
“Of course, I’m disappointed,” Nmecha said. “Getting the goal early gives you confidence, but after that I barely touched the ball in the right areas. I made the runs, I found the spaces — but the pass never came.
“When you’re a striker, you depend on the players around you to spot those movements. I felt we didn’t connect enough in attack today. It’s not about pointing fingers, but at this level you need to be sharp as a unit.
“I did my part by putting us ahead, and I expect better service and understanding after that. We lost rhythm and control, and that’s what cost us. We have to be more decisive and trust each other in those attacking moments.”
Nmecha’s comments underline growing frustration within the Leeds camp as their creative spark continues to fade in crucial games. His criticism may raise eyebrows, but it reflects a wider issue — Leeds’ inability to supply their forwards effectively when under pressure.
A much-needed boost for Dyche
For Nottingham Forest, this win brings relief and renewed belief. Dyche praised his side’s fighting spirit, highlighting the importance of resilience after conceding early.
Leeds, meanwhile, face serious questions ahead of the next international break. With Nmecha now publicly demanding better support from his teammates, manager Daniel Farke will need to find a quick fix to stop the slide.
