Millwall revitalized their hopes for a top-six finish in the Championship with an impressive 3-1 victory over Norwich City at The Den on Saturday. The team answered any doubts with an amazing performance and turnaround after losing 7-0 to Blackburn Rovers only days earlier. Goals from Mihailo Ivanovic, who scored two, and Femi Azeez gave them the Grenada victory won with such certainty.
The game proved to be an important turning point for Millwall. They came into the match on the back of a heavy 4-1 loss to Blackburn that had left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread. Regardless of their eventual victory, the team spirit and determination displayed was incredible. Now, they are a mere three points off of sixth-placed Coventry City, with only two games remaining in the campaign.
Key Moments of the Match
Millwall made a blistering start as schoolboy striker Azeez opened the scoring in just the second minute. On the hour mark, George Saville delivered a vicious, deep, inswinging free-kick, which Azeez expertly glanced home. Millwall were inspired by that goal. Not only did it reenergize the home crowd, it raised the confidence level of their team’s players to a new high.
Further misfortune followed, as six minutes before the half-time interval, Millwall extended their lead. Having already bolstered the Ivanoivic had already shown promise. He ran on to a ball over the top and tucked it home with the outside of his shin past the far post. This goal not only ensured their lead was safe, but it demonstrated Millwall’s potency in attack.
Despite moments of pressure from Norwich, who managed to score once in the match, Millwall maintained control. Ivanovic had opportunities to add to his score. His best chance, a remarkable near-miss, came when he angled a drive off the side-netting. Such was the quality of his performance that it was the most notable part of a key home performance in securing Millwall’s resounding win.
Manager’s Reflections
After the game, Millwall’s manager Alex Neil must have been pleased as punch with his side’s display. He mentioned that whenever the team has been tested, their reaction has been phenomenal.
“Every time we’ve suffered a setback the response has been emphatic and I thought today that was one of our best performances.” – Alex Neil
Neil’s comments show the extensive focus and mindset by this entire team to face adversity and overcome it, even to the extent of winning a playoff spot.
With no excuses on the opposite side, Norwich’s Johannes Hoff Thorup admitted his team’s struggles throughout the game. He lamented that allowing an early goal added pressure to his team.
“We had a great start but then conceded with the first half-chance of the game and then there is pressure.” – Johannes Hoff Thorup
Looking Ahead
And with only two matches remaining on the season, Millwall’s continuing road to the playoffs is still alive and well. They now find themselves only three points off Coventry City. Every single point counts in their tight race for promotion! The team will need to maintain their momentum and replicate this winning form in their upcoming fixtures to secure a playoff spot.
Millwall handsomely rejoice their huge win and look back on their terrific game against Norwich. Now, they plan to use this momentum to propel them toward their goals for this season. The players and coaching staff are clearly committed to using this momentum as they head into the last handful of matches.
Leave a Reply