Set-play disappointment for Millwall head coach Alex Neil after loss at Sunderland

Alex Neil was left frustrated after Millwall suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

Trai Hume’s 20th-minute goal proved to be the difference after he drifted into space at the back post from a Sunderland corner that the Lions failed to deal with.

Despite enjoying more possession and completing more passes than their opponents, Millwall struggled to create clearcut opportunities to test home goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Lukas Jensen produced a superb save early in the second half, denying Wilson Isidor from point-blank range with a reflex stop to flick his effort over the crossbar.

Sunderland had a chance to double their lead in the 86th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Japhet Tanganga fouled Romaine Mundle but Jensen once again came to Millwall’s rescue, diving to save Luke O’Nien’s spot-kick.

Moments later, the Lions came close to snatching a late equaliser. Aaron Connolly’s cross was headed by Ryan Leonard into the path of Mihailo Ivanovic, but his effort was blocked.

Millwall head coach Neil said: “The biggest frustration is that if you are going to lose to Sunderland, don’t lose to a set-play. No disrespect to them, but they are not the biggest of teams, certainly not bigger than us.

“It was a well-worked set-play from their point of view but we switched off at the edge of the box and they got a strike at goal, which made the task more difficult.

“We had some decent moments towards the end of the game. We had a great delivery from Lenny (Ryan Leonard), the two forwards spun around, and the ball went across the front. We had another one where Lenny headed the ball back across to Mihailo, but the defender blocked it. Josh Coburn also had a header.”

The Millwall boss admitted his team played well in general but lacked cutting edge in the final third.

“My biggest frustration is that between both boxes, we played quite well,” said Neil. “But we needed to create more in the final third. I don’t think we had the volume of chances we wanted.

“In the first half, we played too safe. Although we played some good football, it was all in front of them—we needed to do a bit better.

“In the second half, we played with a little more purpose, with less control but more threat. It’s about trying to strike that balance. We had a lot of forward players missing today, which made it even more difficult.”

Despite defeat the head coach was pleased with his side’s performance.

“We were right in the game,” said Neil. “The penalty was frustrating because we gave away a cheap ball in the centre of the pitch, and they got a penalty—which it was—but Lukas made a great save. After that, we had a chance to score the next goal, but unfortunately, we didn’t take it.

“It’s a tough place to come. Sunderland are a good side, but I don’t think they had an easy game today—it was a good, competitive match.”