Millwall secured a vital 2‑0 away win over Watford at Vicarage Road on January 17, 2026, with goals from Femi Azeez and Josh Coburn. The victory lifted Millwall to fourth place in the Championship, narrowing the gap to the automatic promotion spots, while Watford slipped to 13th, intensifying their fight to stay in the race.
Match Summary
Both teams entered the clash knowing the stakes. Watford, on a three‑game winning streak, aimed for a fifth consecutive league win, while Millwall sought to strengthen their promotion bid from a solid top‑six position.
First Half Highlights
Millwall adopted a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, exploiting space behind Watford’s high line. In the 27th minute, winger Romain Burgess earned a corner; Azeez rose to meet the delivery and headed home, giving the visitors a 1‑0 lead.
Second Half Developments
Alex Neil introduced midfielder Ethan Jones to add creativity. The tactical tweak paid off in the 63rd minute when a swift counter‑attack allowed Coburn to finish low past goalkeeper Ben Foster, extending the lead to 2‑0. Watford’s late substitutions could not breach Millwall’s disciplined defence.
Key Moments
- 27’ – Azeez header: Set‑piece goal from a corner, breaking the deadlock.
- 63’ – Coburn finish: Counter‑attack finish that sealed the win.
- Goalkeeper performance: Daniel Iversen made several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Managerial Reactions
Alex Neil (Millwall): Praised his team’s hunger and tactical clarity, emphasizing the “clinical” contributions of Azeez and Coburn and the need to maintain momentum.
Graham Taylor (Watford): Acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic, noting the importance of addressing defensive transitions in training.
Championship Implications
Millwall’s win moves them to 4th place with 48 points, just one point behind the top three, and adds confidence to their promotion push. Watford drops to 13th with 43 points, making upcoming fixtures crucial to revive their season.
Future Fixtures
Millwall will host Fulham next, aiming to continue their ascent toward the automatic promotion spots. Watford travels to Blackburn Rovers, looking to halt their slide and regain form.
