Millwall’s 2021 got off to the worst possible start with a home defeat to Coventry. The Lions were their own worst enemies as a woeful first half display gave them a mountain to climb.

Jed Wallace’s second half penalty was not enough to recover from a poor first half. Jake Cooper’s own goal and Gustavo Hamer’s deflected rebound gave the visitors control of the game.

Here’s how the players rated:

Bartosz Bialkowski – 8

Very little he could do about either goal, and as usually he prevented two or three more going in.

Mahlon Romeo – 5

Didn’t track back for the first goal and didn’t really provide going forward. Lost form of late, Danny McNamara returning from loan will have him worried.

Shaun Hutchinson – 5

Too many clangers today, looked uneasy on the ball and at sea defensively. Slightly redeemed in the second half with a number of good blocks.

Jake Cooper – 4

A day to forget for Cooper, unlucky with the first goal, deflected off him for the second, could easily have put in a third before half time.

Murray Wallace – 3

Worst player on the pitch for Millwall today. Usually a safe bet, but Dabo ran him ragged. His late red card summed up his day.

Shaun Williams – 5

His lack of mobility startled at times, the end may be nigh for Willo.

Ryan Woods – 4

A very lacklustre performance from Rowett’s main man. Millwall had looked better without him in the side, as this display won’t quiet any critics. Had a better second half when he had more runner to find going forward.

Jed Wallace – 6

A sure thing from the spot, but in all honest had very little impact on the game.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – 5

Blink and you’ll miss him. Pulled off at half-time in order for Rowett to change shape, can hardly blame him for not impacting the game.

Mason Bennett – 4

Didn’t help out Murray Wallace going back and struggled the few times he had the ball. His substitution at half-time tells you what Rowett thought of his display.

Tom Bradshaw – 5

Living off of scraps once again, his one chance came from his own hard work. Unfortunately, it was a hard one and he couldn’t find the target.

Subs:

Kenneth Zohore – 7

Millwall need this man to hang around. Has improve the side in every game he’s played. If he is fit and available, get him on the pitch.

Troy Parrott – 7

Another great impact off the bench. Played some great passes to create openings, got in behind and asked questions of the Coventry defence.

Scott Malone – 6

Helped strengthen Millwall’s left, where Coventry had so much joy in the first half.

Tyler Burey – N/A

Matt Smith – N/A