Gibbs-White and Anderson drive Nottingham Forest past Leeds

Nottingham Forest secured their first Premier League victory since the opening day of the season with a 3-1 comeback win over Leeds United on Sunday, led by Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson. Gibbs-White, omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, responded with a decisive second-half header before Anderson’s late penalty sealed three points for Sean Dyche’s side at the City Ground.

Forest’s victory ended a nine-game winless run and marked their first league win under Dyche, who was appointed earlier this season. Leeds had taken an early lead through Lukas Nmecha in the 13th minute after Brenden Aaronson capitalized on a defensive lapse from Nicolò Savona. But Forest hit back almost immediately, with Ibrahim Sangaré equalizing from close range after Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri spilled Dan Ndoye’s cross.

The match descended into a scrappy midfield battle for much of the first half, though Gibbs-White remained a consistent threat, testing Perri from range before the interval. Forest’s attacking persistence paid off midway through the second half when Omari Hutchinson delivered a precise cross that Gibbs-White glanced into the far corner to make it 2-1.

Leeds rallied late on, forcing Matz Sels into a sharp save from Dan James’ curling effort, while Jayden Bogle squandered the rebound. Forest made sure of the result in the 90th minute when Hutchinson, a constant outlet on the right flank, drew a foul from Jack Harrison in the area. Anderson converted calmly from the spot to end any hopes of a Leeds comeback.

The result lifted Forest within two points of Leeds, who have now suffered four defeats in their last five league matches. Dyche praised his team’s resilience and work rate as they continue to adapt to his pragmatic, high-pressing system.

The victory also provided a moment of celebration for the City Ground faithful, who paid tribute before kickoff to lifelong fan Stephen Crean, injured heroically in last week’s Huntingdon train incident.

For Gibbs-White, his performance was a timely reminder of his creative influence in midfield — combining vision, energy, and technical precision — attributes that could yet reignite his case for an England recall.

Forest, buoyed by back-to-back unbeaten games, will look to build on this momentum as they push to climb further up the Premier League table.