Gary Rowett’s assessment of Millwall’s 2-0 loss at Sheffield United

Gary Rowett expressed his disappointment after Millwall were routinely beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute through Iliman Ndiaye, who was clean through after a long punt upfield from goalkeeper Wes Foderingham after Jake Cooper was nudged in the back in the build-up.

John Fleck capitalised on a mistake from Charlie Cresswell shortly after to play in Sander Berge to double Sheffield United’s lead.

Rowett admitted that Millwall’s first-half performance wasn’t up to scratch – but was adamant that the Blades opener should have been ruled out for a foul on Cooper.

The Lions boss told the club’s official website: “When you come to a place like this, we’ve spoken about matching that work rate we showed against Stoke, playing with the same energy off the ball and showing a little bit of bravery at the right times on the ball. We kept giving the ball away in the first-half, and If you keep giving the ball away against a side like Sheffield United to put you under pressure [you’ll get punished] just like we did against Stoke last weekend.

“I thought we actually started well. We looked quite composed and energetic in the opening period. My belief is – and I’ve watched the incident about ten times – there’s a clear foul on Coops for the first goal. That doesn’t mean to say that our defenders shouldn’t get round on the cover, but it’s a clear foul – I’m disappointed the referee didn’t see that.

“I spoke to him afterwards, and he said there’s a clear directive to allow a bit more physical contact, and I understand that and wouldn’t argue with that. But I think when it’s in those crucial positions, you have to make sure you get it right. It’s clear to me that it was a clear foul, and we end up 1-0 down on the back of it – and at 1-0 down at Bramall Lane for 10/15 minutes, they put you under huge pressure.

“We looked a little bit edgy and nervous after that first goal went in. We then make a mistake for the second goal, which will be a good learning curve for young Cressy, because, against Stoke, he scored two goals and won us the game and today he makes a mistake. But he’s a young defender, and that’s what you have to learn. If you make a mistake away from home at these sorts of places, then you’re gonna get punished.

“Sheffield United are a good side, but they didn’t have lots and lots of clear chances – we gave them those opportunities and didn’t deal with those moments. We then defend terribly for the penalty – you can’t allow someone to run off us and come into the box and make a foul. You can’t set those levels in the first game and not match them in the second game. I’ve spoken to the players about consistencies, and we need to be better matched at home than we are away from home – that’s a bravery and a mentality situation.”

The Lions improved after the break but failed to get back into the game or adequately test Wes Foderingham in the home goal.

Rowett added: “Second-half was much better. We spent most of the half with the ball, better energy, better movement – I thought they defended their box really well. 

“It’s a disappointing performance, but it’s two league performances and as good as the first one was, the first-half of the second one was not what we needed, so we have to learn from it.”