Millwall's Young Sensation Romain Esse Steers Lions to Thrilling Victory over Middlesbrough

Millwall kicked off the new Sky Bet Championship season in impressive fashion with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough, courtesy of Romain Esse’s debut senior goal. The 18-year-old forward, who came on as a substitute in the second half, wasted no time in making his mark by expertly connecting with Aidomo Emakhu's well-placed pass, directing the ball into the top corner of the net.

Millwall fully deserved their 79th-minute goal, having dominated the game until that point. Zian Flemming and Kevin Nisbet came close to scoring earlier, showing signs of a potential breakthrough. In contrast, Middlesbrough, who reached the playoffs last season, were disappointing. Their lack of attacking options was clearly evident, emphasizing the need for additional signings.

Throughout the majority of the game, Millwall displayed their superiority, particularly highlighted by Flemming who swiftly formed a promising partnership with his teammate Nisbet. Nisbet, having recently transferred from Hibernian, seamlessly integrated into the squad.

In the fourth minute, Flemming narrowly missed the left-hand post with a well-placed side-footed shot, assisted by Casper De Norre. Seven minutes later, Flemming came close again as he sent a low drive across the goal after a short-corner routine involving Joe Bryan.

Duncan Watmore, who previously played for Middlesbrough, posed a threat for the visitors in the first half. However, his shot was blocked by Paddy McNair.

Watmore once again found himself heavily involved in the game just nine minutes before halftime. He made a powerful run towards the 18-yard box and unleashed a shot that deflected off Dael Fry, causing it to loop over the crossbar.

Middlesbrough's offensive efforts in the first half proved to be mostly ineffective. Millwall's five-man midfield successfully prevented the home team's players from having sufficient time or space to control the ball.

Boro had briefly scored in the 39th minute, although the ball had already gone out of play for a goal-kick before Matt Crooks passed it back to Hayden Hackney, who then scored.

At the beginning of the second half, Crooks had a chance to score, but he shot over the crossbar after Morgan Rogers set him up with a cross from McNair. However, Millwall missed a great opportunity to take the lead a few minutes later when Bryan was unable to hit the target after Flemming delivered a promising cross from the right.

Millwall's dominance in creating opportunities persisted, and Boro were grateful to their newly acquired goalkeeper Seny Dieng for maintaining a clean sheet at the sixty-minute mark. Watmore skillfully supplied a pass to Nisbet, who charged forward, yet Dieng swiftly reacted by stepping forward and thwarting the Scottish player's attempt.

With 11 minutes left, Dieng was helpless as two of Millwall's substitutes joined forces to finally score. Emakhu evaded McNair and made his way down the left touchline. He then accurately sent a low cross into the 18-yard box, where Esse skillfully curled a first-time shot into the top corner, leaving no chance for the goalkeeper.