Four takeaways from Millwall’s 1-0 defeat to Bristol City – De Norre the pick of the summer signings but no complaints about the late loss

Millwall fell to a late 1-0 defeat against Bristol City at the Den on Saturday. 

Here are Daniel Marsh’s takeaways from The Den:

THE LIONS GET WHAT THEY DESERVED

Bristol City struck right at the death to bag all three points, but Millwall can have few complaints.

The Lions weren’t at the races all day and failed to make the most of an opportunity to start the new season with consecutive wins. Bar a 15-minute spell towards the end of the game where things became stretched, goalmouth action was scarce for both sides.

It was Bristol City, though, who were in control and looked the more likely to break the deadlock even though they were restricted to just a handful of chances by the Lions’ defence.

Matty James’ last-gasp strike was a real kick in the teeth – but Bristol City were the better team and good value for their win.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

It’s still extremely early in the season, but it’s been an absolutely rotten week for the Lions.

Maybe the occasion got to a few on Saturday, but there can be no excuse for not doing the basics. There were far too many misplaced passes, lapses in concentration and poor decision-making over the course of the afternoon, which can only be attributed to the players.

The Lions were far too laboured and predictable on the ball and building up play from the back is fast becoming a real issue. It was painful at times and a complete contrast to how effectively Millwall moved the ball against Middlesbrough last weekend. 

The formation has become a bit of a running debate amongst the fanbase, but Millwall have played brilliant football with a back five and poorly with a back four and vice versa – some of the issues that were highlighted by Saturday’s performance transcend the Lions’ shape.

DE NORRE: PICK OF THE BUNCH

On the whole, I’ve been really impressed with the signings Millwall have made, but Casper de Norre was head and shoulders above everybody else in a blue shirt on Saturday.

The Belgian midfielder didn’t waste a pass and was constantly on the move in a bid to find space for the ball.

Much like Zian Flemming last year, the South Londoners probably won’t see the best of De Norre until later in the season as he continues to find his feet in the Championship, but the early signs are promising.

Billy Mitchell and George Saville formed a highly effective midfield partnership last season, but De Norre brings something different to the party with his range of passing.

BERYLSON TRIBUTES

While it was an afternoon to forget on the pitch, it was a different story off it as Millwall did John Berylson proud.

The Lions paid tribute to their beloved former owner who passed away last month. The Millwall staff who were involved in such tributes, including the media team and chief executive Steve Kavanagh, who pulled plenty of strings behind the scenes, deserve tremendous credit.

An emotional tribute video was met with a rousing ovation, and the Berylson family, including Millwall’s new chairman James Berylson, were given one of the loudest ovations heard in SE16, which is no mean feat.

A pre-match walk around the Den became a staple of Berylson’s reign, so how fitting was it that his son started his own reign in the exact same way. Hopefully, it was the first of many.

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS