Leeds United fans were full of optimism ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener. The Whites were confident after the results in pre-season.
And the transfer business was also superb, as the club improved on multiple positions.
They had a tricky test in the league opener away to Nottingham Forest.
Daniel Farke’s men started the game just like they performed last season; very structured and disciplined. From the first minute, Leeds closed down all the spaces and frustrated the home side.
Both sides were evenly matched for most of the game.
Anton Stach then popped up with the winner late in the match to seal all three points for the visitors.
Paul Merson left speechless by Leeds United winner
The Leeds United midfielder caught out Forest keeper Mats Selz from a free kick.
Anton Stach shaped like he was going to deliver a cross into the box, but bent it into the bottom corner, with Selz almost helpless as he only got his gloves on the ball when it had already entered the back of the net.
Paul Merson was in the Soccer Saturday studio for the game and he was left stunned by what happened.
“Stach whips it in, and HE SCORES! Ooooah he’s scored and I really don’t know how!?
“He’s whipped it in the near post and Sells has somehow let it in.
“I’m sitting here thinking my holiday went quicker than this game, but now it’s 1-0 to Leeds.
“Stach scores and it is right against the run of play. I do think the goalkeeper should have saved this.
“But fair play to him for shooting. The keeper Sells gets a hand to it and can only push it into the side netting.”
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Hard fought win for Daniel Farke’s men
It was not a pretty game for the away fans, but what mattered was the final result.
Just like last season, Leeds United begin their Premier League campaign with three points. This is the sort of game that gives the team confidence for the start of the campaign.
Racking up results like this early in the season come in handy at the tail end of the campaign.
Leeds were not the best, but since last year the team have really learnt to scrap results under Farke.
And that is what makes them a dangerous matchup for any team in the Premier League regardless of the gap in quality.
