Five takeaways from Millwall’s 1-0 win over Reading – Lenny meriting right wing-back starts and shapeshifting works
Benik Afobe’s 73rd-minute strike was enough to send Millwall into eighth spot in the Championship following Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Reading.
Once again, the Lions are only outside of the top six on goal difference – and they may have even done something about that on another night after spurning a host of chances.
Millwall were booed off at the break, but turned in an excellent second-half performance to overthrow the Royals.
Here are Daniel Marsh’s takeaways:
SHAPESHIFTERS
There have been some murmurings of discontent over the Lions five-man defensive unit following a lack of goals towards the end of last term and the beginning of this one.
Millwall lined up in a different 4-3-3 shape and started the game brightly before seemingly stepping off the visitors and letting them dictate things on the ball.
Reading didn’t actually create much – Bartosz Bialkowski didn’t have a save to make all night – but the Lions were still booed off at the break after failing to muster much themselves.
Rowett introduced Scott Malone and Mason Bennett at the break, with Millwall reverting back to the 5-2-3 set-up that they’ve used more often than not this term. That tactical tweak made all the difference, with the hosts putting in a much-improved display after being booed off at the break.
While there hasn’t always been a flurry of goalmouth action at the Den this season, Millwall had a host of decent chances against Reading both before and after Afobe’s goal which they didn’t take.
The second half performance in a shape that has caused grumbles among the fanbase has definitely set the standard for the remainder of the season – and there’s no reason that the Lions can’t continue to impose themselves on games in that shape.
RETURN OF THE RYANS
With Danny McNamara omitted from the last couple of squads, Ryan Leonard has seemingly nudged ahead of the academy graduate in the pecking order.
Although Leonard may not quite offer the same dynamism that McNamara does at times in that spot, it’s hard to argue against his attacking output. He grabbed his second assist of the season from his new wing-back role after teeing up Afobe for the Lions goal and went close to grabbing a goal himself on numerous occasions.
OFFICIALS’ ASSIST
But Ward’s weird decisions actually sparked the Den crowd to life in midweek.
Although there were just north of 10,000 Millwall fans, Tuesday’s atmosphere in the second half was up there as one of the best so far this season. And that atmosphere helped spur the Lions on to deliver what was probably the best 45 minutes of football they’ve played all season.
So maybe there won’t actually be too many complaints on the officials – if anything, they can probably be credited with the assist for Tuesday’s win.
HALTING HOME HOODOOS
It’s hard to argue with how impressive their form on the road has been since Rowett took charge, but he himself has admitted that his side have stalled a little when it comes to performing in SE16. That wasn’t a problem on Tuesday night as his side moved up a gear following a poor first half.
It feels like it’s just Millwall’s home form that’s holding them back from crashing the end of season promotion lottery in May.
It’s now 15 points from a possible 21 for the Lions following five wins from the past seven games. That’s promotion form – but they’ll need to keep performing at the Den if they are to sustain those types of returns.
Saturday’s clash with Derby, who are in turmoil both on and off the pitch, represents a golden opportunity for Rowett’s side to experience some home comforts.
FORWARD THINKING
Afobe’s third goal of the season has the scope to give Rowett a selection headache.
Tom Bradshaw was left on the bench just a couple of weeks after his brace downed Stoke at the Den, and Afobe’s winning strike could see Bradshaw forced to settle for a spot on the sidelines again on Saturday.
Although it’s hard to argue that any of Millwall’s strikers have been particularly prolific this term, there are promising signs that their attackers are starting to find some form.
Millwall’s last three goals have all been fired from inside the six-yard box – a feat that hasn’t been a regular occurrence for strikers at the Den over the past few years.
To add to Afobe and Bradshaw rediscovering their goalscoring touch in recent weeks, the introduction of Mason Bennett should also give Rowett food for thought ahead of Millwall’s clash with Derby on Saturday.
Bennett’s introduction at the break completely changed the trajectory of the game – and he’ll be chomping at the bit to start the game against his old club.
Rowett has been robbed of being able to select Bennett for the majority of the season, but he now has the luxury of having three forwards who all seem to be on the brink of a turnaround in form.
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