Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi played a crucial role as Nottingham Forest seal a 3-1 win over Leeds United, marking Sean Dyche’s first Premier League victory in charge and lifting Forest closer to safety.

The game saw Morgan Gibbs-White answer his England omission in emphatic fashion as his header sealed the game for the hosts.

Leeds took the lead in the 13th minute through Lukas Nmecha, who drilled home from the edge of the box after Brendan Aaronson’s assist.

But Forest hit back immediately when Ibrahim Sangare capitalised on goalkeeper Lucas Perri’s spill to score his first goal for the club. The first half remained lively, with Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus coming close as both sides pushed for control.

Dyche’s changes pay off

After the break, Forest regained pressure following Dyche’s triple substitution, Ryan Yates, Omari Hutchinson, and Taiwo Awoniyi injected energy into the game.

Hutchinson’s cross found Gibbs-White, who headed home in the 68th minute to give Forest the lead and end his recent dip in form.

Late penalty seals crucial victory

Leeds mounted late pressure, with Dan James and Dominic Calvert-Lewin going close, but Forest secured the win when Harrison fouled Hutchinson in stoppage time.

Elliot Anderson converted the penalty to make it 3-1, sealing a morale-boosting win for Dyche’s men and leaving Daniel Farke’s Leeds hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone.