Millwall Secures First Victory at Carrow Road Since 1968
Macaulay Langstaff scored his second goal for Millwall, netting the winner with just seven minutes remaining, securing the Lions' first victory at Carrow Road over Norwich since 1968.
Langstaff, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact, converting a pass from Alfie Doughty just three minutes after entering the game. This marked his second goal in 37 appearances for the club.
Millwall's performance was deserving of the victory, particularly as they improved significantly in the second half while Norwich struggled under the management of Liam Manning, who was making his debut for his boyhood club.
Although Norwich controlled possession early in the match, they found it difficult to capitalize against Millwall's well-organized defense. Millwall's German goalkeeper, Steven Benda, made his first appearance in six months, comfortably saving a free-kick from Jacob Wright.
Millwall nearly took the lead before halftime, but Vladan Kovacevic thwarted Camiel Neghli's attempt. The Lions continued to apply pressure, and Tristan Crama delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Neghli to score with his second touch, giving Millwall a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute.
Norwich equalized just two minutes later when Josh Sargant showed determination by charging down Benda's clearance, resulting in the ball ricocheting off him and into the net.
Femi Azeez had a chance to restore Millwall's lead but missed from close range before Langstaff's late goal sealed the match.
More updates to follow.
Key Highlights
Liam Manning, who became the manager of Norwich City in June, fulfilled a childhood dream. As a young fan with a season ticket at Carrow Road, Manning began his career in the Norwich academy before moving to rival Ipswich.
He made a name for himself as a coach at MK Dons, leading them to the League One play-offs in 2022, and later repeating the success at Bristol City in the Championship play-offs last season. Despite losing key players Borja Sainz and Jonathan Rowe for a combined £28.1 million, Norwich has supported Manning's rebuilding efforts, signing 11 new players to improve upon last season's disappointing performance.
Ambitiously aiming for a playoff spot, this loss was a setback for Manning in his first match. Norwich struggled to maintain their early momentum, and Manning will need a more consistent performance from his players to compete for a top-six finish.
Player Performances
Josh Sargant was a focal point before the match after rejecting a bid exceeding £18 million from Wolfsburg. Although he had limited opportunities, he played a crucial role in Norwich's equalizer by closing down Millwall's goalkeeper Benda, allowing the ball to rebound off him into the net.
Despite a lack of service, Sargant demonstrated his potential as a key player for Norwich if they can retain him before the transfer window closes. Tristan Crama also stood out for Millwall, delivering an excellent cross for Neghli's goal and contributing significantly to the team's attacking efforts in the second half.
Upcoming Matches
Both teams will compete in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Norwich will face Watford in an all-Championship matchup, kicking off at 19:45 BST, while Millwall will visit Newport County, starting at 19:30 BST.