Millwall managed to pull off a narrow 1-0 victory against Stoke City on March 15, 2025, but it wasn't without its challenges. Manager Alex Neil took the decision to substitute Irish winger Aidomo Emakhu during the match, citing fatigue as the primary reason for the withdrawal. Emakhu had been instrumental throughout his 73 minutes on the pitch, leading the team with four shot-creating actions, four progressive carries, and two successful take-ons. Despite his efforts, Neil recognized the importance of managing Emakhu's playing time as he returns from injury.
"He was just tired," Neil said after the game, explaining the decision. "I think everybody expects Aidomo to rattle out all these games; Aidomo's never done it throughout his career." Emakhu has returned only recently from a groin injury suffered on February 15 and has started just two games since his return. If Neil pushes Emakhu to play more than two or three times within the same week, it risks reinjury, according to the manager.
Neil added, "We just need to manage his minutes, get what we can out of him. But as soon as he’s tired and I thought he was flagging today, he came off." The substitution saw Aaron Connolly come onto the field and make a significant impact, showcasing the depth and readiness of the Millwall squad.
Yet, the victory also highlighted Millwall's pressing need to improve their resilience during set-pieces. Over recent games, the team has been troubled by defending corner kicks. Notably, against Watford, they conceded when Mattie Pollock converted from the back post with ease. Just three days prior to the Stoke match, they allowed Zak Vyner to score the opener at The Den after failing to clear their lines.
Despite housing several tall players, the Lions have struggled to convert set-piece opportunities themselves, with only one notable success recently—Mihailo Ivanovic's direct free kick during the 1-1 draw against Preston North End on February 18. "Set pieces, both for and against, I’d like to see improvement from us," Neil expressed after the game, underscoring their pressing deficiencies. "I think we’ve certainly got the power and size to capitalize on them."
When asked about whether the team’s struggles with set pieces could be attributed to bad luck, Neil remained resolute: "It’s not bad luck. I don’t put anything down to bad luck in football. You might have sequences where things don’t go your way, but we need to do much more, like not give the ball away and getting the blocks right."
While Millwall celebrated their victory, it was still tough for the Stoke City community, who felt the sting of defeat. George Weaver, the host of the Potterlytics podcast, spoke with BBC Radio Stoke presenter Lucas Yeomans about the disappointing outcome. "It’s just a tough one to take," said Weaver, alluding to the team's missed opportunities and the sudden nature of the loss.
This win is significant for Millwall as they strive to build momentum and address areas of concern, especially when it relates to set-piece execution on both ends of the pitch. With Neil’s insistence on continuous improvement, the team is committed to overcoming previous setbacks and pushing through adversity as they eye their upcoming fixtures.
For Emakhu, the challenge will be to maintain his health and playing form under Neil’s careful watch. Managing player fitness is incredibly important as the season progresses, and with round-the-clock training regimes, ensuring key players remain fit could prove pivotal for Millwall's campaign.
The stakes are getting higher with each passing match, and as Millwall looks to solidify its position and improve on the field, the next set of games will be telling. Will they manage to conquer their set-piece woes? Will Emakhu contribute regularly without risking injury? These are questions looming over the club as they navigate through the remainder of the season.
