What a performance from the Baggies! having produced a fantastic display at The Hawthorns, cruising to an impressive 3–0 victory over Millwall and securing another massive three points and unbeaten in six in the Sky Bet Championship.
Coming into the game on the back of a brilliant 3–1 victory over West Ham United and a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Southampton, James Morrison’s side were full of confidence and determined to continue their unbeaten run.
And they certainly delivered! Albion put on a commanding performance in front of the home faithful, finding the back of the net three times while keeping a clean sheet against a Millwall side looking to bounce back from their disappointing midweek defeat to Birmingham City.
Having predicted a narrow 1–0 victory in my match preview, I certainly wasn’t expecting such a convincing scoreline, but I’m definitely not complaining!
It was another hugely encouraging result for Morrison and his players as the Baggies continued to build momentum in their push towards the Championship promotion places.
The opening 45 minutes at The Hawthorns were fairly quiet, with neither side able to find that all-important breakthrough. However, there were still a handful of opportunities for both teams. Aune Heggebø came close to giving the Baggies an early lead when his header from a corner flew inches over the crossbar, while Callum Styles also tried his luck but dragged his effort wide.
At the other end, Millwall struggled to create anything clear-cut. Josh Coburn failed to make proper contact with a volley, while Derek Mazou-Sacko tested Max O’Leary from distance, although the Albion goalkeeper dealt with the effort comfortably. Just before the interval, Jayson Molumby almost broke the deadlock with a dangerous cross-shot, forcing Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe into an important save.
Despite those chances, the two sides headed into the dressing rooms with the scoreline still 0–0.
Whatever James Morrison said to his players at half-time certainly seemed to do the trick, because Albion came out with renewed purpose after the restart!
It didn’t take long for the Baggies to make their mark, as Isaac Price produced a moment of individual brilliance to finally break the deadlock. The Northern Ireland international drove forward with confidence before curling a superb effort into the bottom corner, leaving Crocombe with no chance. What a finish from Price, and what a way to get the second half underway!
With Albion now in front, the home supporters had plenty to cheer about, but the Baggies weren’t finished there. With just 12 minutes of normal time remaining, Jayson Molumby got the goal his performance deserved. The midfielder had been absolutely outstanding throughout the afternoon, covering every blade of grass, winning important challenges and driving his teammates forward.
Substitute Felix Horn Myhre delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, which Crocombe failed to hold. Molumby reacted quickest to the loose ball and fired home to make it 2–0 to Albion! It was a fantastic reward for another tireless performance from the Republic of Ireland international. As the game entered stoppage time, Albion still had one more moment of quality up their sleeves.
After providing the cross that led to Molumby’s goal, Felix Horn Myhre turned goalscorer himself! Isaac Price picked out the Norwegian midfielder, who brought the ball under control before producing a lovely finish to put the result beyond any doubt.
The final whistle confirmed a brilliant afternoon at The Hawthorns, with Albion claiming all three points, scoring three second-half goals and keeping another valuable clean sheet. Having predicted a narrow 1–0 victory before kick-off, I certainly wasn’t expecting such a convincing result, but I’ll happily take that!
West Brom 3-0 Millwall
Goalscorers for West Brom: Isaac Price, Jayson Molumby, Felix Horn Myhre
West Brom: O’Leary, Pereira (Townsend 90), Mepham, Phillips, Styles, Nzingoula (Tunde 75), Molumby (Crowther 90), Diakite, Price, Morgan (Horn Myhre 65), Heggebø (Stewart 65).