Millwall did just enough to defeat Watford 1–0 at The Den.
Goalscorer: MIL: 3' Zian Flemming
Shots (On Goal): MIL: 6(2) WAT: 12(3)
Possession: MIL: 34% WAT: 66%
Man of the Match: Matija Šarkić
Dream Start
Credit the Lions for starting the contest against Watford in the best possible manner. Michael Obafemi forced the referee to assess a yellow card to Edo Kayembe less than sixty seconds after kickoff and then Zian Flemming won an advantageous free kick less than two minutes later.
Flemming stepped up to the free kick from nearly thirty yards and ripped a right-footed effort that deflected off the back of Watford’s Yaser Asprilla into his own net. It was an ambitious shot from Flemming but luck was on his side, allowing the ball to sneak into the corner of the Watford net.
Lord knows Millwall could use more luck on their side going forward.
Credit Danny McNamara
He’s one of Millwall’s own and McNamara has played as such in consecutive matches. Not only has he brought an edge into this Millwall side but he’s done so out of position at left back.
Joe Edwards and Gary Rowett wanted to turn McNamara into a wingback, a role that relied too heavily on creating chances in the attacking third for the Lions’ fullback.
Neil Harris at least has McNamara at one of the fullback spots, albeit the less advantageous one for a right-footed defender. McNamara has responded to the change with two of the best performances he’s had in years.
More Aidomo Emakhu, please
We’ve seen enough of Michael Obafemi to know that he shouldn’t be getting minutes ahead of a healthy Aidomo Emakhu at that second forward position in Neil Harris’ 4–4–2 formation.
Honestly, I was truly shocked to see Ryan Longman come on the pitch for Obafemi in the 72nd minute with the Lions up a goal and struggling to get something going in the attacking half of the pitch. Emakhu’s pace was the exact thing Millwall needed when Watford was dominating possession in the match’s final moments.
Neil Harris has his reasons but no sane person can say Longman is a better player than Emakhu.
