1 min
Millwall were punished by a brilliant AFC Bournemouth display as they lost 4-1 to the Championship promotion contenders at The Den.
Arnaut Danjuma saw a goal disallowed inside 10 minutes for offside before Philip Billing gave the Cherries a routine lead six minutes later following George Evans’ mistake.
Bartosz Bialkowski then made a strong save from Steve Cook’s header but the keeper was only delaying the inevitable as Danjuma soon netted a second in the 27th minute following Asmir Begovic’s long ball downfield.
And Bournemouth had a third through David Brooks just before half-time after a perfectly-weighted through ball from Dominic Solanke.
Millwall pulled one back four minutes after the restart when Jed Wallace finished well from Scott Malone’s cross.
Solanke squandered a gilt-edged opportunity soon after as he shot over from close range but finally got on the scoresheet after he calmly slotted past Bialkowski on 67 minutes.
It could have been even more for Bournemouth as Brooks came excruciatingly close to a second only for his effort to hit the post as the Cherries all but guaranteed their Play-Off place with the win.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Dominic Solanke’s goal restored the Cherries’ three goal lead and destroyed any slim hopes of a late comeback from the Lions.
Moan of the Match
Millwall’s midfield three offered next to no protection for the defence and were beaten at ease time after time in the opening period.
Talking Point
Millwall have often been strong against the top sides in the division but have lost heavily to both Swansea City and Bournemouth now – how can they tweak their approach to fare better against Watford on Saturday?
Man of the Match
Dominic Solanke – the forward got two assists and finished off a brilliant move to get on the scoresheet himself, as well as being heavily involved in a number of other chances.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Keith Stroud (Hampshire) – had no major calls to make and generally stayed in control of the game.
Atmosphere
Millwall fans would have been vociferous in their discontent at such a poor display and standards would have had to improve.
Verdict
Bournemouth were brilliant in the first-half and would have troubled any team in the league – therefore Millwall can’t be too disheartened when they are outclassed like that.
