Four takeaways from Millwall’s 2-1 win over West Brom – Jed Wallace’s return helps fire up The Den

Millwall made it four Championship victories in a row as goals from Callum Styles and Tyler Burey clinched a 2-1 success over West Bromwich Albion.

Here are Richard Cawley’s takeaways from the match.

FOUR-MIDABLE

Millwall are up to fifth in the table after a fourth straight league win, and this is their best start to a season – after 16 matches – since they won promotion out of League One.

They are on 26 points, which is two more than the last campaign – which was previously their best return. Other totals at this stage have been 20 (2020), 21 (2019), 16 (2018) and 17 (2017).

Only QPR (15), Swansea (15) and Luton (14) have taken more points than the Lions (13) over the past six matches.

WALLACE HELPS FIRE UP THE DEN

Jed Wallace had 32 touches of the ball on Saturday – and not a single one of them was without a hefty chorus of boos from the Lions support.

The former Millwall attacker had been the subject of multiple chants – not suitable to print here – by the time he was heavily involved in John Swift’s goal, which put Albion ahead, breaking down the right wing and sending the ball across for the number 19 to finish.

Wallace celebrated in front of the Cold Blow Lane end. In hindsight, it might be a regret – not least because it only served to pump up the home supporters. 

The noise levels were the best they have been down The Den this season, and that ferocity arguably coaxed Andrew Madley into giving some decisions in the hosts’ favour. I haven’t had the benefit of a replay, but those who did felt that there was minimal contact – if any – on Scott Malone for the free-kick, which led to Callum Styles’ equaliser. 

MALONE EXCELS

Injury has opened the door for Scott Malone to get back into Millwall’s starting line-up, and boy, has he taken it.

The 31-year-old left-back has been excellent in the 3-0 victory over Watford on Wednesday night, and I’d say he was man of the match yesterday – not only for his defensive work but also the way he linked so well with Tyler Burey after the matchwinner came on.

Malone had the upper hand in any battles with Jed Wallace and made a great challenge on his former team-mate when Albion threatened a counter in the second half.

Completed the most passes (72) of any player on the pitch. 

Malone had been left out of Millwall’s matchday squad for three successive matches before Murray Wallace was ruled out.

He’s back with a bang.

BUREY IMPACTS OFF THE BENCH

Millwall manager Gary Rowett felt that his side “wore down” the Baggies and that the introduction of fresh legs in Tyler Burey, Mason Bennett, George Honeyman and Benik Afobe were a factor in that.

It certainly looked a shrewd call, in particular, to bring on Burey for Andreas Voglsammer in the 58th minute. At the moment, the former AFC Wimbledon youngster perhaps tends to impact matches more when he comes on and there is more space against fatigued opposition.

Burey stepped inside to whip one right-footed shot narrowly wide of the far upright and had another finish ruled out for offside. Ironically his weakest attempt managed to deceive Alex Palmer at his near post in the 90th minute.

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS