Four takeaways from Millwall’s 2-1 win at Bristol City – formation switch has revitalised the Lions as Flemming totally in the groove

Four takeaways from Millwall’s 2-1 win at Bristol City – formation switch has revitalised the Lions as Flemming totally in the groove

Millwall secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season after a 2-1 victory at Bristol City.

It was the first time since March that the Lions took all three points in an away fixture. Tom Bradshaw scored the first just before half-time, pouncing on a loose ball in the box following a free-kick.

The hosts did get themselves back in the game thanks to Shaun Hutchinson’s own goal. Gary Rowett’s side sealed all three points thanks to Zian Flemming’s quick thinking in the box after Max O’Leary’s error.

Here are Alex Grace’s takeaways from the contest.

AWAY DUCK IS BROKEN

It’s been a long time coming, but the Lions have finally ended their away day hoodoo. March 5 was the last time the Lions managed a victory on the road. The relief from players, staff and fans was clear to see at the final whistle. It’s also back-to-back wins now for Rowett’s men, and the hope is now that their season is well and truly up and running. The run of away games the Lions have had has been tough, but we know with this team over the last few years that momentum has always been key. If they can get on a run and get their confidence flowing, then results have a habit of following.

This period of games before the World Cup was always going to be key, with the Lions facing teams either around them or below them in the league table. Watford and West Brom at The Den are next up for Millwall, both of which will be classed as winnable games, with neither of them starting the season in great fashion.

FORMATION CHANGE HAS WORKED

Millwall look like a different team since switching formations. Gary Rowett’s decision to change from a back five to a back four seems to have settled the side. The Lions boss named the same team for a third match running – something he has not done all season. That shows how confident and how reliable the side have been since that switch.

Today was no different. The Lions looked solid at the back. The pairing of Shaun Hutchinson and Jake Cooper – the captain and his deputy – is certainly the strongest combination for Rowett in the centre of defence.

Charlie Cresswell and Murray Wallace are also good options for Rowett to have as a back-up, but it’s hard to see the Lions boss moving away from his first-choice duo unless his hand is forced.

Zian Flemming looks very comfortable in his position behind the striker, and that can only be a good thing going forward.

It’s now seven points from a possible nine since the formation change.

ZIAN AT IT AGAIN

He just can’t stop scoring. It’s now five goals in five games for the Dutchman. He has certainly settled into Championship life. This was not his liveliest game by any means, but that just shows how vital he is to Millwall.

Even if he is not heavily involved in what’s happening on the pitch, he remains a danger, this was not like previous games where he has been given the chance to have five or six shots.

Millwall have been missing someone who can take their chances on a regular basis, and since he found the net against Blackpool, Millwall’s number 10 has not looked back. He is now confident and finding himself in the right areas at the right time to score goals. It’s no surprise that in all the games that he has found the net, the Lions have either won or drawn. His goals have been crucial and secured a total of 10 points.

BRADSHAW OFF THE MARK

It’s been a bit of a frustrating start to the season for the Shrewsbury-born striker, he’s found it hard to get into a rhythm as he did last season, but the goal at Ashton Gate will give him a confidence boost. The miss last time out against Middlesbrough in previous times would have seen him crumble, but this time around, he has stayed strong, kept focused and got his reward by finding the net.

We know the type of scoring runs he can have. He demonstrated that last season but that was interrupted by an injury. A fit and confident Tom Bradshaw is a huge plus for Millwall. When on his confident runs, he shows that instinctive desire to get in the box and be in the right place at the right time to score those key goals. That is something that could make a huge difference to Millwall’s season. It’s worth noting that he is keeping Benik Afobe out of the side, with only one central striking position now available after the formation switch, scoring regularly is going to be the only way that either one of them will keep that role.