Leeds United delivered one of their most complete performances of the season on Thursday evening, dismantling Nottingham Forest 3-1 at Elland Road in a result that could prove pivotal in their fight for Premier League survival.

The atmosphere inside the famous old ground was electric from the first whistle, and Leeds rewarded their passionate supporters with a first-half display that left Forest reeling. Jayden Bogle opened the scoring in the 26th minute, rifling home his first Premier League goal since joining the club. The full-back's strike sent Elland Road into raptures and set the tone for what would become a memorable evening in West Yorkshire.

Just four minutes later, the celebrations reached fever pitch when Noah Okafor doubled the lead. The goal carried extra significance for the forward, who had endured a frustrating 16-game drought without finding the net. The relief was visible as Okafor wheeled away in celebration, his teammates mobbing him in recognition of both the goal and the personal milestone it represented.

The architect of both first-half goals was Ilia Gruev, whose creative contributions have been increasingly vital to Leeds' attacking play. The midfielder provided assists for both Bogle and Okafor, showcasing the vision and technical quality that has made him such an important figure in the team's push for survival.

Forest, who arrived at Elland Road with their own ambitions intact, found themselves overwhelmed by the intensity and purpose of Leeds' play. Their attempts to gain a foothold in the match were repeatedly frustrated by a home side that pressed with relentless energy and attacked with clinical precision.

The result was effectively sealed early in the second half when Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a third goal. The striker, whose experience has been invaluable during this tense run of fixtures, showed his predatory instincts to put the match beyond doubt and allow Leeds to see out the remaining minutes with something approaching comfort.

Nottingham Forest managed a late consolation through debutant Lorenzo Lucca, whose goal will have provided personal satisfaction but did little to change the complexion of a match that had long since slipped away from the visitors. The Italian's first contribution in English football offered a glimpse of what he might bring to Forest's squad, even if the circumstances of his introduction were far from ideal.

For Leeds, the significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Moving nine points clear of the relegation zone represents a substantial buffer as the season enters its decisive phase. While survival is not yet mathematically assured, the breathing room this result provides will allow the squad to approach upcoming fixtures with renewed confidence rather than desperation.

The performance also demonstrated the improvements that have been made since the dark days earlier in the campaign when relegation seemed an increasingly likely prospect. The combination of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking threat on display against Forest suggests a team that has found its identity at exactly the right moment.

As the Elland Road faithful filed out into the February night, there was a tangible sense that something important had been achieved. Leeds United are far from safe, but after this comprehensive victory, the path to survival looks clearer than it has in months.