Three-time UEFA Champions League-winning goalkeeper Keylor Navas remarkably became Forest’s 29th signing since promotion on deadline day. His skills and experience were put to the test inside the opening five minutes as Luis Sinisterra pounced on a loose ball, forcing the 36-year-old into a smart save.
Despite contrasting recent fortunes, Leeds dictated the opening exchanges, but fitting of their season so far they went behind against the run of play.
After giving away a needless free-kick, Pascal Struijk failed to adequately deal aerially with Morgan Gibbs-White’s resulting cross. The clearance fell at the feet of in-form forward Johnson, who made no mistake in volleying powerfully past Illan Meslier for his third goal in as many games.
Even with a slender one-goal lead, Steve Cooper appeared the more concerned of the two managers at the break, ringing a double substitution in an attempt to thwart the considerable threat on Navas’ goal.
The Costa Rican had been the far busier goalkeeper before the break, but the alterations appeared to have the desired effect, with the Whites looking toothless in attack in absence of top scorer Rodrigo, as Forest looked dangerous on the counter through Neco Williams.
Sam Surridge should have perhaps sealed the deal for Forest late on, curling wide of Meslier’s left-hand post but in the end, the home side did enough to preserve a seven-match unbeaten run at the City Ground.
For Leeds, they tasted defeat for the first time in six against newly-promoted sides and are now winless in seven.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Keylor Navas (Nottingham Forest)
