West Bromwich Albion suffered their second 2-0 defeat on the bounce after they produced another poor display, this time against Millwall.

Mason Bennett grabbed the opening goal for The Lions just after the halfway mark as he prodded home to give them the lead.

Former Wolves man Benik Afobe then calmly slotted the ball past David Button to double their advantage late on in the game.

Albion fans showed their frustrations towards the end of the match as they halted play twice, throwing a flare and a stadium seat onto the pitch.

  • Ismael under pressure

Baggies boss Valerien Ismael cut a dejected figure on the touchline after his sides' loss to Preston North End on Wednesday.

The former Barnsley, LASK and Wolfsburg manager revealed that he didn't sleep after the performance from his team.

He also admitted that he got their system wrong, as Albion were comfortably beaten by Ryan Lowe's outfit.

However, the showing at The Den only three days later proved to have little difference tactically.

Hopeful balls forward were once again prominent, again to no goalscoring avail.

New signing Andy Carroll came straight into the starting eleven following his move to the club on Friday morning.

The former Liverpool, West Ham and Newcastle United forward joined on a short-term deal until the end of the season and was trusted straight into the front line.

Carroll proved to be effective in parts as he battled to hoover up some of the expectant lumps forward flung towards him.

But one swallow does not a summer make, and the striker often found himself as the only West Brom player working at 100%.

Albion did come out of the traps the fastest and could've taken the lead through either Carroll or Darnell Furlong, but their attacking intent dwindled as the game progressed.

Ismael now finds himself in the firing line of supporters, with many wishing for the Frenchman to be relieved of his duties.

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  • Millwall end winless run

The Lions had made a dismal start to the new calendar year, not winning a game so far in 2022.

But the hosts put in a display more than worthy of victory and could've increased their tally throughout the game.

New signing Oliver Burke made his first start for the club after an impressive appearance against Blackpool and could've potentially opened the scoring for Gary Rowett's side.

The on-loan Sheffield United man had the opportunity to grab the opener as he went one-on-one with Button but shot straight at the 'keeper.

First goalscorer Bennett deserves a lot of credit for his showing in this one, proving to be a nightmare to play against.

He was a constant threat when marauding down the left-hand side, constantly giving Cedric Kipre something to think about and eventually getting a well-deserved goal.

Rowett will undoubtedly take inspiration from the way his side played as they head into their next game against Preston.

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  • Defensive errors became the difference

Before this fixture, Albion had the outright best goals conceded record in the EFL Championship.

Usually so solid at the back, Ismael's side became awash with errors in their defensive line.

The zonal marking used whilst defending set-pieces meant Millwall's opener could be easily scored.

Bennett peeled off towards the back post, leaving Jake Livermore and Conor Townsend on their heels, meaning the former Derby County, Burton Albion and Notts County striker could prod into the net.

For The Lions' second, on-loan Brighton man Matt Clarke had his legs twisted by Afobe allowing the forward to roll the ball home.

These seemingly uncharacteristic errors at the back will continue to cost them if Ismael persists in keeping games under such fine margins.

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