In a night that will long be remembered by fans at The Den, Millwall delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, overpowering West Bromwich Albion with an emphatic 3-0 victory. Goals from Jake Cooper, Femi Azeez, and Zak Sturge not only sealed all three points but also showcased the Lions’ growing confidence, tactical maturity, and unwavering team spirit under their new managerial setup.
From the first whistle, Millwall played with intensity, structure, and hunger — a stark contrast to the inconsistencies that have haunted their early season form. Against a West Brom side known for their technical precision and midfield control, the Lions pressed high, defended with discipline, and attacked with purpose. It was the kind of performance that not only delighted the home crowd but also sent a strong message to the rest of the Championship: Millwall are finding their roar again.
A Statement Performance at The Den
The atmosphere at The Den was electric from the start. The home faithful, renowned for their passionate support, created a wall of noise that fueled the players’ energy. Manager Joe Edwards opted for an aggressive 3-4-2-1 setup, with Cooper marshalling the backline, while Azeez and Sturge provided pace and penetration on the flanks. The tactical adjustment paid immediate dividends as Millwall established control early on, forcing West Brom onto the back foot.
West Brom, under Carlos Corberán, arrived in South London with confidence after a string of solid performances. Yet, their usual rhythm was disrupted by Millwall’s relentless pressing and physical duels. The visitors struggled to build from the back, and when they did, the Lions’ midfield duo snapped into challenges, cutting passing lanes and regaining possession efficiently.
The opening goal came in the 18th minute and fittingly from the team’s captain and defensive stalwart, Jake Cooper. Rising highest from a beautifully delivered corner, Cooper powered his header past Alex Palmer, giving Millwall a deserved 1-0 lead. The stadium erupted, and from that point onward, there was only one team dictating the tempo.
Jake Cooper The Towering Leader
Few players embody the Millwall spirit quite like Jake Cooper. His leadership, composure, and defensive dominance were once again on full display. Beyond his goal, Cooper was instrumental in organizing the defense, reading the game superbly, and neutralizing West Brom’s aerial threat.
Cooper’s influence extends far beyond his defensive duties. As the team’s captain, his communication and positional awareness kept the entire backline in sync. Time and again, he was seen gesturing and encouraging his teammates — a true leader commanding from the heart of defense.
After the match, Cooper reflected modestly on his performance:
“It’s about setting the tone early. We knew West Brom would try to play through us, so we made it difficult for them. Scoring the first goal helped us settle, but what I’m proud of is how we stayed organized and clinical until the end.”
His goal, a thunderous header from a set piece, also highlighted Millwall’s growing efficiency in dead-ball situations — an area that had been inconsistent earlier in the campaign. With Cooper’s presence in the box, every corner or free-kick feels like a genuine scoring opportunity.
Femi Azeez The Game-Changer with Flair
If Cooper was the backbone, Femi Azeez was the spark that ignited Millwall’s attack. The 22-year-old winger, known for his pace and direct dribbling, tormented West Brom’s defense throughout the evening. His energy and unpredictability gave the visitors nightmares, and his goal — a superbly taken strike from outside the box — was a testament to his growing confidence and technical maturity.
In the 54th minute, with Millwall pushing for a second, Azeez picked up the ball near the left flank. A quick one-two exchange with Zian Flemming opened space, and Azeez unleashed a curling effort that dipped perfectly beyond Palmer’s outstretched hands. The roar that followed was deafening.
What stood out most about Azeez’s performance was not just his attacking output but also his defensive work rate. Time after time, he tracked back to help his full-back, pressing West Brom’s wide players and breaking up counterattacks. It was a complete performance — one that demonstrated both flair and discipline.
Speaking to reporters post-match, Azeez expressed his joy:
“The gaffer told me to express myself but also to work hard off the ball. That’s something I’ve been focusing on. I just wanted to help the team in any way I could, and scoring here at The Den in front of these fans — it’s a feeling you can’t describe.”
His goal marked his third in four games, further solidifying his position as one of Millwall’s most exciting young prospects this season.
Zak Sturge A Star Emerging on the Left Flank
While Cooper and Azeez grabbed headlines, the performance of Zak Sturge deserves equal recognition. The young full-back, who has steadily integrated into the squad since joining in the summer, delivered arguably his best performance in a Millwall shirt to date.
Operating down the left side, Sturge balanced defensive responsibility with attacking intent. His overlapping runs stretched West Brom’s defense, and his composure in possession allowed Millwall to maintain rhythm and width. His goal — a clever finish after a fluid team move — was the icing on the cake.
In the 76th minute, a swift counterattack saw Azeez drive down the right before switching play across the box. Sturge arrived late, timing his run perfectly to slot home from close range, capping off a brilliant team sequence. His celebration — a fist pump toward the roaring crowd — reflected both relief and pride.
Manager Joe Edwards later praised the youngster:
“Zak’s development has been incredible. He’s disciplined, hardworking, and brave on the ball. What people don’t see is the hours he spends on the training ground improving his positioning and delivery. Tonight, he was outstanding — and he deserved that goal.”
West Brom’s Struggles A Night to Forget
For West Bromwich Albion, this was a match that exposed their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Despite having more possession, they lacked penetration and composure in the final third. Striker Brandon Thomas-Asante found himself isolated for long stretches, while midfielders Okay Yokuşlu and John Swift struggled to dictate tempo under Millwall’s relentless pressing.
Defensively, the Baggies looked uncharacteristically disjointed. Both full-backs were often caught out of position, allowing Millwall’s wide players to exploit gaps repeatedly. Set-piece defending, usually a strength for Corberán’s men, was also poor — as evidenced by Cooper’s opening goal.
Corberán, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, admitted post-match that his team was second-best throughout:
“We didn’t match Millwall’s intensity. They wanted it more, and in this league, that’s often what makes the difference. We made mistakes in key areas, and they punished us.”
The defeat leaves West Brom’s promotion ambitions momentarily dented, as they slip down the table while other contenders continue to gain momentum. However, given Corberán’s tactical acumen, few would bet against them bouncing back quickly.
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