Four takeaways from Millwall’s Championship opening day win at Middlesbrough

BY ALEX GRACE

Millwall opened their season with a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon. 

Romain Esse’s first senior goal proved to be the difference as Michael Carrick’s hosts found it very difficult to break down their resilient opponents. 

Here are Alex Grace’s takeaways from the game:

AN OPENING-DAY WIN

Millwall’s record on the opening day since their arrival back in the second tier has been rather satisfactory. The Lions have had one blemish on that record – a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in their first season back. You could even argue that they were unlucky to lose on that occasion. 

Gary Rowett has entered his fourth full season in charge of the South Londoners, and his opening day record is rather impressive, two wins and two draws and just one goal conceded from his four games. 

A win on the opening day, however, has not always meant the Lions have made a strong start. In fact, Millwall are perennial slow starters. The highest points total the South Lononders have achieved after 10 games in the last five seasons is 15 in the lockdown season of 2020-21. 

Rowett alluded to it in his post-match interview that pundits and members of the media have already written off Millwall’s chances after the way last season ended. This was a statement victory that will remind people the Lions mean business this season once again.

THE AIDO AND ROM IMPACT

The two youngsters were the standout performers in pre-season, other than Kevin Nisbet. 

It was a brave move from Rowett to call upon them both at a very key moment, in what will be one of the toughest away days the team will face on paper – last season’s play-off semi-finalists and a side that has been very strong under Michael Carrick, especially at the Riverside. 

Both players have shown no fear – perhaps that’s the advantage of being young players. It was expected that Aidomo Emakhu would have gone out on loan to build up some experience, but performances in pre-season have changed that mindset. His pace, in particular, will be something that can cause many teams in this league some severe problems.

Equally, Esse’s talent is there for all to see. The way he finished that cross was superb – remember as well, that was his first senior goal. The way he took it would make you think he’s been doing it for years.

The two appear very close on and off the pitch, and as long as that relationship continues to blossom, it can mean only good things for Rowett and a selection headache.

HUTCH LEADS BY EXAMPLE

The Millwall captain suffered a frustrating season last time out. 

He found it very difficult to nail down a regular spot in the team after Rowett opted to switch formation to a four-at-the-back system. The 32-year-old suffered a few injuries last season, which also hampered his availability and game time, so there were plenty of questions coming into this campaign. There was, and still is, a concern among the fan base at the fact another centre-back has not been signed. 

However, the captain’s performance on Saturday will go a long way to easing some of those concerns. Himself, Jake Cooper and Murray Wallace have been a major part of the success that Millwall have managed to achieve defensively under Rowett.

Adding to the forward line was key in the summer and if the defence can once again keep things tight at the back. The Lions may just nick a few more wins, rather than draws this time around.

NO GEORGE LONG

This was the headline team news. George Long, who played the full 90 minutes in the last three friendlies, did not make the squad for the game at the Riverside. New signing Matija Sarkic was chosen to start in place of the former Hull City keeper, with Bartosz Bialkowski on the bench. 

Long dislodged Bialkowski as Millwall’s regular number-one keeper last season, but, at times, looked unconvincing, with many fans venting criticism towards him. The Lions took the option to bring in Sarkic and it looks like he will be the new number one. 

One has to wonder if Long will now consider his options going forward.

PICTURES: BRIAN TONKS