Joe Rodon hailed Leeds United’s “unbelievable” squad depth after Daniel Farke’s side reached the third round of the EFL Cup with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Leeds returned to the stadium just three days after Anton Stach’s late goal secured a 1-0 win over Forest on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Farke made several changes to his starting XI for the cup tie, with Daniel James, Noah Okafor, Ao Tanaka and Lukas Nmecha all given opportunities from the start. Summer signing Nico Elvedi also made his Leeds debut in defence.
The visitors took the lead five minutes after half-time. James received Sean Longstaff’s pass inside the penalty area before driving a powerful finish past Matz Sels.
Leeds doubled their advantage in the 75th minute when James Justin forced the ball over the line after a scramble in the Forest penalty area. The chance followed Ethan Ampadu’s long throw.
The victory means Leeds have reached the third round of the EFL Cup for the first time since the 2022-23 season. Rodon praised the strength available to Farke and singled out James, who endured an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign.
“Injuries are a part of the game, we know what he’s capable of, he [James] showed his quality and had a great finish,” Rodon told ITV Sport.
“We need everyone, it’s a long season, the ability in the squad is unbelievable, we need everyone together.
“We want to change the mentality, grow again as a group and win as many games as we can. The signings have been top, we want to continue with this momentum.”
Leeds were worthy winners, producing 13 shots and an expected goals total of 2.26, compared with Forest’s eight attempts and xG figure of 0.86.
Forest’s defeat extended a poor record in this competition against top-flight opposition. They have won only one of their past 10 EFL Cup matches against fellow Premier League clubs, losing seven and drawing two.
They have also been eliminated in each of their last four EFL Cup ties against Premier League opponents. The result means Oliver Glasner is still waiting for his first competitive victory as Forest manager.
Captain Chris Wood said his side would need to respond quickly, despite describing the result as frustrating.
“It’s one of those mistakes that happen in games, but we’re here to try and help support our players,” Wood said. “It’s frustrating, but we move and keep progressing.
“We know where we want to be, but we know we have to keep working hard on the training pitch because the games are coming thick and fast.
“We have to believe in what we’re trying to do and don’t shy away from it. We have to take it by the scruff of the neck and move forward.”
Reports before kick-off said Forest were close to completing a club-record £50m move for Chelsea forward Liam Delap, who had fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.
Delap scored three goals in 47 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions. Wood believes the potential arrival would strengthen Forest’s attacking options and increase competition within the squad.
“We’re an ambitious club and that shows with what we’re spending on players like him [Delap],” Wood added.
“It will be fantastic to get Liam through the door. Hopefully it gets all signed. He will be great for our team, and it is healthy competition, and we will be better players for it.”
