West Bromwich Albion played host to Millwall once again last night, this time in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The Baggies lost 2-1 as they were dumped out at the first time of asking.
Slaven Bilic made nine changes to the starting line-up from the team that played on Saturday with only Semi Ajayi and Kyle Edwards retaining their places.
New signings Charlie Austin and Grady Diangana made their debuts from the start as West Brom looked to keep up their unbeaten start to the season.
Austin is the man on whom much rests this season and he did not wait long to give supporters a taste of his goal-scoring prowess. The 30-year-old displayed precisely the predatory instinct the Baggies require when, following in Diangana’s shot, he headed home from a yard out after visiting keeper Luke Steele could only deflect the ball on to the bar.
The Baggies were well on top in the game and Millwall’s equaliser came by surprise. Albion appeared to switch off at a free-kick and Bradshaw arrived unmarked to head Jiri Skalak’s delivery beyond Jonathan Bond.
Ajayi had a goal disallowed much to the bewilderment of everyone inside the stadium and then keeper Bond was forced into a couple of saves one being extraordinary to keep out an O’Brien piledriver.
West Brom struggled to deal with set pieces and this proved to be their downfall once again. Skalak’s corner was allowed to bounce in the six yard box and after Murray Wallace had failed to force it home, O’Brien did so from barely a yard out to give Millwall the lead.
Albion had a few half chances but nothing of real note and they now focus their attentions on Saturday’s league game at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town where they will look to keep up their unbeaten start.
