We asked Dave Marshall to give us his match ratings and player comments after Millwall 0 Newcastle United 1 in the Carabao Cup.
Millwall. Historically, a notorious place for visitors. On a Tuesday night, no less.
At least it wasn’t rainy and cold.
Matthias Jaissle already endearing himself to Geordies and English football fans in general, admitting he knows the reputation of Millwall.
His first-team choice backed up his pre-match words. There had been a lot of talk about starting some of the younger lads at the Den, but MJ must not have wanted to put their feet to that fire this early.
And though it wasn’t sold out, the atmosphere was far better than a crowd of 14,698 would suggest.
The first match between the two sides since 1993 seemed sure to be a rollicking affair.
Alas, no. The match quality didn’t live up to the atmosphere.
Nor those lavender, er, lilac kits. More on that another time…
United started pretty well, Barnes forcing a corner in the 6th minute…
He and Hall had a good time carving up the right side of the Millwall defence but ultimately toothless in the end.
Overall, United was exerting pressure with possession and much more comfortable on the ball since Millwall don’t press like Bournemouth do.
The Lions had only a couple of decent chances, but like United, they didn’t make the best of them.
Half-time a 0-0 draw.
For the first quarter hour of the 2nd half, Millwall made United scramble on defence, though Schar had a real shout for a penalty in the 46th minute.
Then it got scrappy, choppy… until MJ brought on some pace with the introduction of Elanga and Fernandez-Pardo in the 66th minute. Their pace and directness injected life into the match.
Still lacking quality in the final ball but plenty of possession and pushing MFC deep. Yet, Millwall fought hard, looking dangerous at times on their counter.
Then Tino misjudging a bouncing pass that saw Arconte beat Hornicek, but not the post.
Not long after, finally… Newcastle United broke their duck. A creative give-and-go between Hall and MFP freed Hall into the box, who cut back a crisp pass that Willockinho did well to guide slightly off the defender and into the net.
That’s what United need to see more of from Willock and the rest of the squad. Quality finishing.
Player Ratings
Hornicek – 7
Better, more confident-looking, several good, strong punches from corners or free kicks to get the ball out of the box.
Either it was the toothless opponents or he’s growing into English football. Maybe both.
Dedic – 6.5
Pulled at HT for some type of hamstring injury, no details as of this writing. Played well defensively but doesn’t have the connection with Murphy that he does with Elanga. Hope it’s nothing more than a niggle.
Schar – 7.5
A real shout for at least two penalties, he was solid on defence as well. Plus, his usual array of long crosses and a blistering shot that was deflected within centimetres of hitting the back of the net.
Botman – 6.5
Better than the last two times out but still making silly passes he shouldn’t be making. Held the line well defensively.
Hall – 8 (MotM)
The form United supporters are used to seeing. Ate up everything defensively, put in work upfield, and cut back a beauty for Willockinho to coolly finish after a great hookup with MFP.
Another lukewarm performance after his solid debut. Didn’t have the composure seen in that debut. Where are the long balls and movement upfield with pace?
Ramsey – 6.5
Was on the ball a lot as United dominated possession but not quite the quality on passing or finishing as last time out against the Cherries.
Willock – 7
A helter-skelter shift elevated by a smartly taken goal. His most difficult shot, by the way, as he bottled a couple of easier chances earlier. Still, he’s active and getting to spots. Just needs to convert more consistently.
Barnes – 6.5
Linked up well with Hall, as usual, and tormented the right side of Millwall’s defence. Unfortunately, missed a chance to terrorize them with shots gone awry or passes no one took advantage of.
Murphy – 5
Didn’t link well with Dedic at all. A couple of United breaks doomed because of a failed first touch or errant pass. Needs to pick up his game.
Wissa – 6
Captained the lads well, with a couple of swervy runs and no shortage of effort, but like his teammates, short of quality in the end. Still, good to see him fit and getting himself in the right positions.
SUBS
Tino – 6
On for Amar Dedic at half-time, he’ll have gotten some kinks out of the way against a lower-tier team. Was not in sync with Murph, though maybe not Tino’s fault.
Elanga – 6.5
On for the ineffective Murph. Ran well, more direct with his pace, helped spring Tino to life a bit more. After his cool finish against Spurs, will have thought he could’ve done better on his one decent shot on goal from 18 yards.
Fernandez-Pardo – 7
On for Wissa, helped changed the match. His pace and creativity gave Millwall fits, and his cheeky pass against the grain to Hall for the latter’s assist on the winning goal, was a thing of beauty and originality.
Lewis Miley – 6
On for Ramsay in the last few. Played his role in holding down the fort to see out the tie.
Steur – N/A
On for Willock in stoppage time and not long enough to rate. Surprised not to see him earlier.