Millwall pulled off a large upset against Watford in a tightly contested game at The Den on Saturday afternoon. Illustration by CSPAN Both teams went tooth and nail for control of the narrative—or at least they tried. Millwall completed the upset with a 2-1 win. This victory proves to be a turning point in Millwall’s season, boosting their chances in the Championship table.
Millwall came flying out of the gates in the first half of the game. TFC took advantage of their one promising chance in the 12th minute. An exquisitely calibrated lead pass arched in from the right flank. Striker Tom Bradshaw connected with it, connecting with a ferocious header that smashed the ball into the net before sending the home support into pandemonium. This very early goal would be a precursor for the day’s tone and tactic, as Millwall would again press the pace with riveting counter attack after riveting counter attack.
Watford fought back with spirit and drew level just before half-time. In the 42nd minute, our midfielder Ismaila Sarr ripped off an impressive run along the left sideline. He then sent a pinpoint pass through the Millwall defense to his teammate João Pedro, who confidently tucked the ball into the bottom corner. That equalizer only seemed to fire up Watford and flip the momentum of the game. With both teams even at the half 1-1.
The second half saw both sides exchanging chances, but it was Millwall who regained the lead in the 65th minute. George Saville’s corner kick was vicious. Swansea City FC Defender Jake Cooper got up in the air for a towering header that left the defenders staring and turned into sheer delight. This goal not only regained Millwall’s lead, but illustrated their aerial superiority and tactical efficiency on set pieces.
As the game wore on, Watford surged forward looking for another Dewsbury-Hall inspired equalizer, but Millwall’s resolute defense stood their ground. The home side did a great job showing grit and excellent tactical discipline, snuffing out a number of would-be counterattacks by their visitors. Goalkeeper George Long was equal to the task, making big saves that kept Millwall’s slim margin intact and eventually won the game.
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