​Nottingham Forest’s much-anticipated opening match of the 2026/27 Premier League season did not go according to script. Under the new stewardship of head coach Oliver Glasner, the Reds were hoping to make a definitive statement in front of their home supporters. Instead, they suffered a devastating, late sucker-punch, falling 1-0 to a resilient Leeds United side thanks to a dramatic late free-kick.

​In a tense, tightly contested affair where clear-cut opportunities were at a premium, Forest ultimately rued missed chances in the first half. While Igor Jesus and Nikola Milenkovic both went agonistically close—with Milenkovic rattling the woodwork late in the half—Leeds snatched all three points in the 88th minute when Anton Stach curled home a sublime free-kick.

​Following the opening-day heartbreak, Nottingham Post correspondent Sarah Clapson delivered her analytical player ratings from the City Ground. Here is a breakdown of how the Reds performed as they adjust to Glasner’s brand-new tactical system.

​Starting XI Player Ratings

• ​Matz Sels (6/10): The Belgian goalkeeper came to his teammates’ rescue with a sharp, quality save to deny Tarik Muharemovic after the break. However, he will undoubtedly feel hugely frustrated to have been beaten at his near post in the dying moments of the match.
• ​Jair Cunha (6/10): Held his own against a physical Leeds attack and will certainly face a healthy fight for regular minutes once summer signing Ousmane Diomande fully settles in. Unlucky to pick up a soft second-half yellow card.
• ​Nikola Milenkovic (5/10): Provided useful experience and physicality as the lynchpin in a three-man backline. However, he was nearly punished for a defensive slip in the second half, and the costly free-kick he conceded at the death ultimately proved decisive.
• ​Murillo (6/10): Showcased his trademark vision by setting up a dangerous chance for Chris Wood with a delightful through-ball. Glasner will certainly demand more of that progressive passing going forward, though the backline had moments of instability.
• ​Ola Aina (6/10): Put in some decent deliveries from the right flank, but he narrowly escaped a red card in a controversial first-half VAR check. He is well aware that his place in the starting XI could come under threat as Forest targets reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut.
• ​Ibrahim Sangare (7/10): Started the match looking a bit off the pace as Forest struggled to establish early control. Settled into a rhythm as the match progressed, orchestrating neat passes to help spark the midfield.
• ​James McAtee (6/10): Operating in a deeper midfield role during pre-season, the ex-Manchester City man showed promise, but this match highlighted that he still has work to do to fully adapt to his new tactical responsibilities.
• ​Neco Williams (6/10): Encouraged by Glasner to push high up the pitch as a wing-back, Williams found himself in several promising positions. Unfortunately, his final ball fell just short of connecting.
• ​Dan Ndoye (6/10): Found it difficult to properly impact the game in the final third. Like many of his teammates, the new tactical system will clearly take some time to master.
• ​Morgan Gibbs-White (6/10): Barely touched the ball during a scrappy opening quarter. Grew more influential once Forest settled into a rhythm, though the match desperately lacked an attacking spark.
• ​Igor Jesus (6.5/10): Rewarded for stellar pre-season form with the start up front. Drew a strong save from James Trafford with a central header and will be frustrated not to have converted his chances. Dropped into a deeper number ten role after Wood entered the match.

​Impact Substitutes

• ​Chris Wood (6.5/10): Replaced Ndoye in the 62nd minute and immediately introduced a physical presence that gave Leeds a different tactical puzzle to solve. Missed a decent opening shortly after coming on.
• ​Luca Netz (7/10): Looked bright and energetic after replacing Aina on 74 minutes, showing an aggressive determination to drive the team forward. He will feel ready to push for a larger role.
• ​Xaver Schlager (6/10): Brought much-needed bite and steel into the central midfield battle upon his introduction, though he couldn’t quite shift the momentum.
• ​Arnaud Kalimuendo (6/10): Thrown on as a last-minute roll of the dice deep into stoppage time, but had virtually zero opportunity to impact the game in his fleeting 30-second cameo.

​Looking Ahead

​While opening-day defeats are never easy to swallow, Oliver Glasner’s side showed enough defensive resilience and tactical flashes to suggest they will grow into the campaign. However, with the transfer window closing rapidly and the demands of the Premier League unforgiving, Forest must regroup quickly before the pressure mounts in the East Midlands!