Millwall boss Gary Rowett only has one criticism after away win at Bristol City
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Gary Rowett felt his Millwall side were full value for their 2-1 victory at Bristol City – and had the chances to make it a more comfortable finale.
The Lions are unbeaten in six Championship games.
And the South London club – winless away before Rowett’s appointment in late October – have banked seven points from a possible nine on the road.
“We were fantastic in the first half,” said Rowett. “We came to a place like this – with Bristol in fourth – and we were by far the better side.
“We played with a good shape, we played the formation we had at Swansea because Hutch [Shaun Hutchinson] was back [from a rib injury] and fit enough to play it.
“We created so many opportunities in the first half, we opened them up really, really well – I wouldn’t say easily but with great effectiveness. A bit like Forest [on Friday night] I couldn’t believe we were only 1-0 up.
“In the second half we were pretty comfortable but we conceded a goal and then everyone panics. That’s my only criticism of the team. We panicked and we ended up defending for our lives. We did it really well, but I’d like to see us a little more comfortable at the end.”
Jed Wallace scored and provided the deadball delivery for Jake Cooper’s goal. The attacker has been involved in 10 of Millwall’s 13 goals under Rowett. In 19 appearances this season the former Portsmouth and Wolves man has eight goals and six assists.
“Yes, his performance was good,” said Rowett. “Yes, he scored a goal and set a goal up – but the players around him work incredibly hard to give him that platform, to support him and get him in that position. There were a lot of good performances and if we’re not playing well then Jed doesn’t get in those areas.
“He also recognises that. He has got a bit of leadership about him – he is a player who tries to say the right things before a game.”
Cooper – an ever present in the league this season – headed home his first goal of the season.
“He should score more goals,” said Rowett. “At six foot five he is great in the air.
“Callum Davidson and Adam Barrett have worked incredibly hard on our set-piece delivery and movement. We’ve scored as many as anybody in the division and he should be a massive threat in both boxes.”
PICTURE BY BRIAN TONKS
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