Watford edged Millwall 3-2 in a dramatic Championship opener at The Den. Edo Kayembe’s 23rd-minute corner sailed directly into the net, giving Watford the lead. Millwall hit the woodwork twice, with George Honeyman and George Saville denied.
Giorgi Chakvetadze’s stunning 30-yard free-kick doubled Watford’s advantage early in the second half. Duncan Watmore pulled one back for Millwall, then levelled in the 88th minute with a low strike. But Watford struck back immediately, with Mileta Rajovic heading in the winner a minute later to seal the victory.
Millwall set up as we expected in a 4-2-3-1 formation, putting plenty of emphasis on set-pieces. However at times they were overrun in midfield. The main problem for the Lions was trying to find that final ball and just some general creativity. Millwall head coach Neil Harris took risks after Watford went 2-0 up, bringing on the extra pace of Aidomo Emakhu and the physicality of Macaulay
The poignant moment ahead of kick-off as both teams and sets of fans came together to remember former Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away in the summer at the age of just 26. It was a moment that football came together and united.
Millwall’s lack of creativity was a big problem throughout pre-season. A lot of pressure was being put on Romain Esse to spark Millwall into life, he struggled at first to get into the game. This further enforces what Lions head coach Neil Harris has been saying in the last few weeks. Millwall badly need some incomings at the top end of the pitch
He said: “I don’t think we settled very well at the start. We looked very emotional in our decision-making and I really understand.
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