Football Review | Millwall 3 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Azeez’s wonder strike inspires Millwall to a win over West Brom

Femi Azeez’s stunning second-half strike sealed a commanding 3-0 victory for Millwall over West Bromwich Albion at The Den.

Author | James P

Stadium | The Den

Pre-match huddle

Lions captain Jake Cooper set the hosts on their way with a first-half opener as Alex Neil’s side dominated from the outset. Zak Sturge added a third late on to round off an impressive display that lifts Millwall to eighth in the Championship, level on points with the Baggies. 

This was a great way for the home side to recover following the midweek thrashing against Coventry City.

A surprisingly comfortable afternoon for the home side

Millwall began with intent and could have taken an early lead when Billy Mitchell’s effort was blocked following a cross from Azeez, a sign of the pressure that was to come. Cooper forced a save from Josh Griffiths shortly before opening the scoring, finishing from close range after Azeez’s cross caused confusion in the box.

Views from around the ground

As the first half drew to a close, Callum Styles’ fizzing delivery flashed across the face of goal, offering West Brom a brief reprieve. Josh Coburn’s physical presence in attack continued to trouble the visitors, and the former Middlesbrough forward came close himself moments before the interval.

West Brom improved after the restart, with Nat Phillips firing narrowly wide from the edge of the area, but their revival was short-lived. Moments later, Azeez cut inside from the right and unleashed a superb curling effort into the top corner, leaving Griffiths stranded.

Sturge completed the scoring 18 minutes from time, driving forward down the left and finishing powerfully after being picked out by Thierno Ballo. The result provided the perfect response to Millwall’s heavy midweek defeat to Coventry City, while Carlos Corberán’s West Brom side were left to reflect on a third loss in five games.

Manager delight

After the match, Millwall manager Alex Neil spoke of his delight at his side’s dominant display, praising both their attacking precision and defensive discipline. He said it was vital to score three goals and keep a clean sheet, describing his team as “clinical” and “ruthless” in front of goal. Neil felt Millwall struck the right balance between playing through midfield and pushing forward in support, noting that the early goals gave his players the confidence to see the game out comfortably. He added that the upcoming international break had arrived at a good time, allowing injured players to recover, and said the overall mood in the camp was positive, with plenty for supporters to be pleased about.