Down in south London, Millwall were celebrating a famous win on their intimidating home ground, The Den. They piped Leicester City 1-0 in a hotly contested Sky Bet Championship fixture. Femi Azeez continued his impressive scoring streak by netting the decisive goal just before halftime. Indeed, the victory was Millwall’s fourth straight in the league, putting them 6th on the table.
It was an even match with both teams playing well. When it came down to it, Azeez’s goal was the only one necessary to secure victory. Leicester found it tough to net, despite creating some good chances. Their one clear opportunity was of the highest quality, with Aaron Ramsey’s close-range chance just a few minutes into the first half.
Match Overview
Millwall came out of the gates flying, generating opportunity after opportunity to go ahead. In the fifth minute, Leicester’s Patson Daka tested Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe with a header, only for Crocombe to make a solid save. As the game progressed, Millwall’s Luke Cundle found himself in a duel against Leicester’s Harry Winks, showcasing a tactical midfield battle.
Leicester’s clearest opportunity came through a 10th-minute penalty appeal. Ramsey inexplicably thing a low shot at Crocombe having been perfectly set up by his team mates. Yet, as the opening period wore on, it would be Millwall who would take the lead first. In the 44th minute, Casper De Norre played a direct ball right into Azeez’s path. Azeez expertly turned it home, sending Millwall into the lead.
“It felt like a big win because, in this narrative, I think – because this has happened at a lot of clubs, it’s not the first time it’s happened to me – there’s always ‘oh, we’ve won a few, we’re going to lose the next one’” – Alex Neil
Challenges for Leicester
Leicester faced numerous challenges throughout the match. The absence of Ramsey in the second half, who was carried off with an injury, was keenly felt in their options going forwards. Interim Manager Marti Cifuentes said he was upset with his team’s performance after the game.
“Not the result we wanted. We were looking for a reaction after Tuesday. In terms of performance, I think the first 15 minutes were quite good; we started the game quite well” – Marti Cifuentes
Despite their struggles, Leicester still managed to create a handful of MLS-style opening in the second half. When Julian Carranza tried his luck on an overhead kick in the 76th minute, his attempt went over the bar. And then in stoppage time, Daka had another opportunity with a looping header that was again palmed over by Crocombe.
Millwall’s Defensive Resilience
Millwall’s backline really dug their heels in, preventing Leicester City from finding an equalizer. The squad exhibited enormous discipline and resilience defensively for the entire match. In a notable moment in the second half, Mihailo Ivanovic had a penalty saved, adding to the tension of an already enthralling encounter.
With time running out, Millwall defended resolutely and calmly while the pressure mounted. None was more pivotal than their keeper Crocombe, who put on a show to keep the clean sheet. The win brings them to a total of three points. More than the points, it lifts their spirits as they get ready for the upcoming matches.
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