Millwall started the campaign with an impressive 2-1 home win against Norwich City, a typical industrious performance earning them all three points. The match played out at Carrow Road, and skill was key for both teams as future stars shined. Millwall were much more clinical on the break and ran out narrow winners. Femi Azeez and new signing Adam Langstaff made it 3-0 to Millwall, but Norwich striker Josh Sargent pulled one back with a good finish.
After Charlotte and the Lions both started brightly, it was Millwall to hit the score sheet first early in the second half. Their manager, Alex Neil, said it best when describing the importance of this game.
“When you consider the two sides have been playing at the same level for quite a lot of that period it’s a strange one, and it was a big talking point in the lead-up to the game.” – Alex Neil
Match Highlights
Millwall’s breakthrough came on 51 minutes when a perfectly weighted pass allowed Langstaff to score. He announced himself with a bang in his first match, rifling the ball beneath the onrushing Norwich keeper, Vladan Kovacevic. Scoring their first goal here gave Millwall the belief they would actually go on to win this match.
A few minutes earlier Femi Azeez pounced at the near post to score from a corner taken short by Lewis Wing. His shot was, unfortunately, high and wide. His opportunity arrived soon after following an excellent, if not fortuitous, buildup with Mihailo Ivanovic, clearly indicative of Millwall’s aggression on the attack during the first half.
Norwich had opportunities too and were just as enterprising in attack. It was a brilliant cross from Tristan Crama that provided perfect chances for Marco Micaletto and Hugh Roberts. Neghli let loose an absolute howitzer of a rising drive that seemed goal bound all the way. Yet, Kovacevic pulled off a stunning stop to deny it.
Norwich’s Response
Even after going down to Millwall’s opening goal, Norwich continued to show no fear. They kept playing and eventually broke through with an equalizer from Josh Sargent. Taking advantage of a bad miscue from Millwall holdkeeper Steven Benda, Sargent pounced. His goal came about from that misplay, a testament to his alertness and creative playmaking ability.
You could see the Norwich’s manager, Liam Manning, was filled with fury after the game, especially at the goals given up.
“My overall feeling is one of frustration and disappointment with the manner of the goals we conceded.” – Liam Manning
While Norwich were certainly clinical in scoring two goals, they left a couple of additional goals on the table. Their attacking players, several of whom were making their competitive debuts, kept Millwall’s centerbacks on high alert.
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