Gary Rowett’s impressive tactical nous helps him extend unbeaten record against his former employers

Millwall exerted their dominance in the second half of the Londoners’ 2-1 win away at Stoke City as they stole the points at the Bet365 Stadium. An easy finish from Mason Bennett topped with a solid defensive display sealed their third successive triumph.

Michael O’Neill’s side started strongest, creating the majority of the chances and boasting the larger share of possession. The visitors’ only success came from set pieces as the Potters registered 12 total shots before the half time whistle was blown.

The Lions’ opening goal came from an unlikely source as Murray Wallace netted his first goal of the campaign. Jacob Brown then struck six minutes later – scoring for the second time in his last two games in the Potteries.

Gary Rowett’s men could have considered themselves rather fortunate to be level at the break as they made a plethora of mistakes. However, the 47-year-old immediately aimed to rectify this issue.

The gaps littered through his midfield were no more upon the arrival of Maikel Kieftenbeld. The Dutchman was introduced at half time as the Millwall boss was compelled to add extra cover to his midfield.

The switch to a 3-5-2 formation paid dividends with Kieftenbeld dictating play and giving the visitors a lot more of the ball. This alteration also saw top scorer Jed Wallace adopt a central striking role alongside Bennett.

The pair combined to capitalise on a Danny Batth mistake. The tricky talisman skipped past the former Wolves skipper and laid it off to his counterpart who couldn’t miss.

Furthermore, they nullified the hosts’ attack, limiting them to shots from range and set pieces – from which Stoke were ineffective.

Gary Rowett addressed the all-important change post-match, he stated: “It gave us more energy and worked really well.”

Moreover, he praised his side’s mentality shift and willingness to play on the front foot. “We did to them second half what they did to us first half.”

As well as their superior efficacy going forward, the half-time change aided their defensive structure with Kieftenbeld making 100% of his attempted tackles, an interception and a clearance.

The midfield battle was always going to be a weakness for the Lions heading into this encounter as Ryan Woods usually sits at the base of the midfield three. The former Brentford man was ineligible as he is on loan from the West Midlands outfit.

Any fears that Millwall could have been dragged into as relegation battle at the turn of the year have been well and truly eradicated. Rowett has spearheaded an unlikely playoff charge, losing only three of their 14 league games since the end of February. This resurgence has lifted the Lions from 16^th to ninth in under three months.

Next up they face an out of form Swansea City side, who have started to stagnate and slip away from the automatic promotion places.

Furthermore, Stoke face a trip to relegation threatened Birmingham City as they look to end their season on a positive note, despite not having a lot to play for.

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