Four takeaways from Millwall’s 2-0 defeat to Norwich – questioning officiating, a more solid start and attacking options are boosted

Millwall were beaten 2-0 by Norwich City at Carrow Road on Friday evening.

Josh Sargent scored both goals in the second half to secure all three points for the Canaries.

Here are Kai Bennett’s four takeaways:

MILLWALL START STRONGER

The Lions had conceded goals in the first 10 minutes of their past three games but against Norwich they made sure they were fully focused from the start.

The hosts really struggled to retain and maintain possession in the first 10 to 15 minutes, which ultimately gave Millwall a better platform to build on.

Also, the South London club’s high press meant that Dean Smith’s team were not able to play their normal flowing football.

Stopping the Norwich’s passing game ensured that Millwall were able to keep their opponents at arms length in the first 45.

OFFICIATING QUESTIONABLE?

You can’t blame the officials all the time but Millwall certainly had a case for feeling aggrieved at Carrow Road.

The Lions were not awarded plenty of free-kicks in the first half that if were given could have meant they were able to put Norwich on the backfoot a lot more – with the hosts looking somewhat nervous in those situations.

But the main talking point came just moments before Norwich’s second goal when Josh Sargent seemed to have climbed over Danny McNamara before tripping up Scott Malone.

Gary Rowett was baffled as to how that wasn’t a free-kick, as City’s Grant Hanley was awarded a free-kick for a similar moment.

ATTACKING OPTIONS BACK

Millwall have been without Zian Flemming and Tom Bradshaw in recent weeks but they were back in the squad against Norwich after recovering from their respective injuries.

Andreas Voglsammer – who recently signed from Union Berlin – came off the bench for his second cameo in a Lions shirt.

Both Voglsammer and Flemming came on at the same time and the latter looked good with his range of passing and quick feet causing Norwich’s defence problems in the 20 minutes he was on the pitch.

For the second time in a week, Voglsammer hit the bar – a thunderous effort was tipped on to the woodwork from Tim Krul. Had that gone in, it would have made for a very interesting finish to the match.

But the positives are there, Millwall have a good range and balance of attacking players, with Tyler Burey once again impressing after his skill and turn of pace sent the Canaries defence back-pedalling plenty of times during the fixture.

DEFENSIVE CHANGES

Gary Rowett opted to make two changes within the backline – Shaun Hutchinson and Ryan Leonard coming in for Charlie Cresswell and Jake Cooper.

Hutchinson made his first appearance of the season, in the middle of the back three, while Leonard was on the right side.

Hutchinson – who wore the captain’s armband against the Canaries – won five aerial duels and made two successful tackles in an impressive return.

Leonard once again showed his quality and versatility, completing three tackles – which was the joint most in the contest.

When coming up against Onel Hernandez and Josh Sargent, Leonard showed his turn of pace once again, just like he did on Tuesday evening when his superb tackle on Michael Obafemi stopped the Swans scoring a third.