Millwall suffer 3-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough

Alex Neil criticises Millwall's performance after a 3-0 home defeat by Middlesbrough.

Frustrated Alex Neil's verdict on Millwall's defeat to Middlesbrough

Millwall pressed hard in front of a noisy home crowd, but Middlesbrough withstood the early pressure and took control as the opening 20 minutes passed. The visitors grew into the game and shifted the momentum in the second half, ultimately turning a tight contest into a 3-0 win.
In the second period, Middlesbrough bossed the tempo after a tactical tweak that saw Hayden Hackney moved back to midfield and Sontje Hansen introduced. The changes helped Boro finish strongly, while Millwall failed to convert chances and then dissolved under pressure in the late stages.
Alex Neil voiced clear frustration with his side, stressing that the scoreline is what people will remember and insisting the team did not perform as a possession-based unit. He criticised the basics, saying the team stopped winning duels and stopped chasing the game when they needed to. The coach called the performance cheap and warned there is much to learn if Millwall want to bounce back this season.

Neil’s postmatch assessment highlights a broader tension facing Millwall: a push to improve intensity and duels without sacrificing structure. The decision to reconfigure midfield roles suggests a readiness to adapt, but the result exposes gaps in Millwall’s game plan when the ball is turned over. The clash also raises questions about how teams respond to setbacks early in the season, and whether Millwall can turn belief into consistent end-product in a league known for grind and resilience. If this game becomes a turning point, it might sharpen the focus on preparation and discipline over flair and comfort on the ball.

Highlights

The road ahead will test Millwall’s resolve and the faith of its fans.