Farke hails ‘massive win’ as Leeds boost survival hopes against Forest

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke described his side’s 3-1 victory over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest as a “massive win” after the result moved them nine points clear of the Premier League bottom three.

Leeds took control at Elland Road with two goals in four first-half minutes, as Jayden Bogle netted his first top-flight goal for the club before Noah Okafor doubled the advantage. Dominic Calvert-Lewin then added a third shortly after the restart, scoring his 10th league goal of the season to put the hosts firmly in command.

Forest substitute Lorenzo Lucca, a recent signing from Napoli, headed home a late consolation, but the visitors remain one place and six points above the relegation zone.

Reflecting on the result, Farke admitted the match carried added pressure following Leeds’ heavy defeat in their previous outing.

“I’m very proud because this was a complicated game for us,” Farke said. “First and foremost because we had lost the last game, a 4-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.

“I know it was Arsenal, but a loss always affects confidence and belief. It’s never easy to respond after a defeat, and that made this a difficult match.

“Secondly, it was a game where there was a bit more on the line than just three points. During a season, some matches simply feel more important than others.

“To deliver in this way, with such a spirited performance, showing intensity, dominance and playing really good football, was outstanding.

“I think it will do a lot for our confidence, belief and spirit within the group. That was second to none today, so it’s a massive performance and a massive win.”

Farke also reserved special praise for Bulgaria midfielder Ilia Gruev and Switzerland international Okafor.

“Ilia looked unbelievably sharp in training this week,” the German added. “He’s so reliable. With him, you always get a six or seven out of 10, but today he was close to a 10 out of 10. Two assists, many key passes — he was outstanding.

“Noah gave one of his best performances in a Leeds shirt. He can take players on, score goals and provide assists, and we know that. But today his work without the ball was also excellent in winning possession back.”

Forest manager Sean Dyche felt his side were beginning to grow into the game before conceding twice in quick succession, but accepted Leeds were worthy winners.

“We knew they’d start fast and I thought we dealt with that fairly well,” Dyche said. “We were having our best spell when we conceded the first goal, which was very poor from our point of view.

“The third goal really killed the game. At 2-0 you’re thinking that if you nick the next one, it becomes 2-1 and everything changes.

“But we gave away another poor goal defensively. The pleasing thing, if there is one, is that we kept going and didn’t give in.”