Anton Stach delivered a stunning 88th-minute free-kick to hand Leeds United a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, inflicting a painful defeat on Oliver Glasner in his first Premier League match as Forest manager.

The game appeared destined for a goalless draw when Stach stepped up and curled a long-range effort into the near post, catching goalkeeper Matz Sels completely off guard. The Belgian's positioning and footwork will both come under scrutiny after the goal.

Forest's missed chances prove costly

Forest created the better openings throughout the contest, but a lack of clinical finishing left them vulnerable. Igor Jesus spurned two headed opportunities — the first was brilliantly saved by James Trafford in the 17th minute, and the second saw him nod over from inside the area after Ola Aina's cross to the back post in the 54th minute.

Substitute Chris Wood also passed up a clear chance in the 64th minute, dragging a shot wide after being released through on goal by Murillo.

Sels goes from hero to zero

Sels had earlier produced the moment of the match — a remarkable save in the 69th minute to deny Tarik Muharemovic's goalbound header from inside the penalty area. That stop had kept Forest on course for a share of the points, making his error at the death all the more agonising for Glasner's side.

The afternoon was defined by set pieces: a disallowed goal saw Harry Wilson tap home Jayden Bogle's cross in the 25th minute, only for the flag to rule out the effort after Wilson had taken the ball off an onside Dominic Calvert-Lewin. A VAR review also resulted in a booking for Calvert-Lewin for a reckless challenge on James McAtee in the 32nd minute.

Leeds, meanwhile, registered their first shot on target only in the 47th minute through Brenden Aaronson, whose effort was comfortably held by Sels — but it was Stach who had the final say, snatching all three points with a moment of brilliance that Forest will rue for some time.