The round of the most anticipated derby of the season resulted in a draw and ultimately was a game of two halves between the sides. It’s not shameful to admit that Millwall totally and utterly dominated the Hammers in the first spell - taking the fact that it was against Millwall out of the equation, it was still one of the lamest halves the Hammers have had in a long while.
However, after a magical team talk and likely a few kind and calm words exchanged, we came out swinging courtesy of a ranged driven strike from Kanté as well as a thumped-in header from Mavropanos, and despite making the initial mistake, Kanté was sent off for a last-man challenge, which will certainly be praised rather than criticised.
Elsewhere, an incident on the ball between the Millwall Goalkeeper and Taty Castellanos happened, with a rumour saying Taty spat on Marschall. An instant replay was shown, but nothing was visible, so that will certainly be investigated and looked over across the international break.
The first half was disappointing for many reasons. Defensive mishaps, inability to defend set-pieces, as well as the obsession with playing a long ball.
Whilst he’s been immense in the attacking half, as he was today, which rescued a point. Mavropanos and a long ball are the equivalent of going back to a toxic partner… You might try to get back with one another ten times, and if it only works once, you don’t keep going, do you? Infuriating beyond belief.
Elsewhere, the substitutes proved dividends as Kante once again proved to have a lethal strike, and the addition of the returning Austbø brought much-needed energy. Pablo also nearly scored his first league goal through a headed effort, but it was saved from close range.
A dominant second half, but the first 45 minutes will be one to forget. The only aspect of disappointment in the second spell was Mohamadou Kante, who gave away the ball, allowing the Millwall forward a one-on-one opportunity, but he cleverly took out the last man, ensuring he was dragged to ground, which ended his time on the field. An inevitable red card, but in that moment it was always worth it over conceding. Heroic.
A good result for the Hammers, who scored twice at The Den for the first time since 1939. A point taken and now unbeaten in the Championship for six games. A hard-fought point, credit where credit is due.
West Ham United currently remain at the top of the Championship but will inevitably drop down due to results elsewhere. The furthest the Hammers can fall by the end of the gameweek is 7th place.
