Millwall boss Alex Neil on going with two strikers in today’s 1-0 victory over Stoke City

Millwall head coach Alex Neil has shed light on his decision to deploy a two-striker formation in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke City at The Den.

Mihailo Ivanovic netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner from the penalty spot, which was won by Josh Coburn after he was brought down by Stoke defender Ben Wilmot.

The tactical switch marks the second time that the Scot has opted for a front two, having previously done so in his first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Oxford United on New Year’s Day.

Speaking to Millwall TV, Neil explained the reasons behind the tactical change.

He said: “I’m a bit conscious that we don’t want to play too short at home.

“We want to mix the game up—playing short when it’s on but also being able to turn it and carry a threat.

“The two big lads have done really well recently individually in the games that they have played, and I wanted to see if we could carry a threat as a two. Have a bit more width with Aidomo [Emakhu] and Aaron [Connolly] coming on. It gives us something to go to if we need to, and it’s certainly something we can use if we feel it’s appropriate.”

Neil also praised Lukas Jensen who made a crucial intervention to deny Stoke’s Wout Burger in the 62nd minute when the Dutchman was one on one with the Lions keeper. A moment that turned out to be key as the Lions secured all three points late on.

“It was a bit lucky for them,” said Neil. “It’s a ricochet that lands in their path, but Lukas is really quick down the line, gets to the ball, blocks it, and they are the fine moments in football. If that goes in, it changes the dynamic of the game, but he keeps it out, and that allows us to go and win it.”

Millwall’s options are depleted at present, particularly in attack, with Neil having to name youngsters Sheldon Kendall and Ajay Matthews on the bench.

“We are really light—we have eight forward players out, albeit some might be younger ones,” he said. “But as you saw today, we had Sheldon on the bench, Matthews on the bench, who is 18. So we are light in certain areas, but what it does do is give some of the young lads a chance, unfortunately I couldn’t get them on the pitch today as we were chasing that winner.”