Leeds United’s strong start to the new season continued at the City Ground, with Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha both finding the net to secure a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and book a place in the third round of the EFL Cup.
It was Leeds’ second visit to Nottingham in just four days, but Daniel Farke’s side produced another convincing display. The manager made six changes from the team that started the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory at the same ground, yet the performance remained at a high level.
Daniel James needed only five minutes into the second half to make the difference. Leeds won possession high up the pitch before Sean Longstaff picked out the Welsh winger with a clever pass. James broke into the penalty area and lifted a calm finish over Sels to put the visitors ahead.
The goal was an important moment for James, who is looking to put a frustrating campaign behind him and make a bigger impact this season.
Daniel James enjoying Leeds United’s start
Speaking after the final whistle, Daniel James admitted that Leeds faced another demanding evening against a strong Forest side.
“I think it was always gonna be difficult coming to this game,” the winger began. “A top Premier League side we played the other day.
“It’s not normal you play the same team twice in three days, and we made a few changes, but I thought we were top tonight. We played some really good football, but we also won the fight as well, and I think to get another clean sheet is really important.”
The result gave Leeds another clean sheet and another win on the road. James felt the team showed more than just quality with the ball, pointing to the physical side of their performance as well.
For the forward himself, getting on the scoresheet could be an important boost. His 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by a hamstring injury, and James admitted he felt his season only really got going towards the end.
“I had a long injury to my hamstring, which was really frustrating,” the Welshman said. “I started the last two out of three and then I went to the Wales games, and I think my season only just started.
“This summer it was just about working on what I can do to be stronger and fitter coming to pre-season. I feel really fit and strong, and I’m in a really good place.”
That should give Leeds supporters plenty of reason to be optimistic about what the former Manchester United winger can offer over the coming months.
Competition for places already strong
James also believes Leeds’ summer recruitment has strengthened the squad and created genuine competition throughout the team.
“Yeah, feeling really good. I think we’ve made some great additions in the team. We want to build on from what we did last year.”
The winger believes the depth available to Farke can only benefit the squad, with players now competing for starting places across the pitch.
“Pretty much every position, we’ve got two players that are going to fight for each game. It’s important for us as players to give the manager that headache.”
Despite six changes from the previous meeting with Forest in the Premier League, Leeds looked comfortable in the game before Nmecha added a second to seal the victory.
