Wrexham’s 3-0 Millwall win: Parkinson’s first Championship victory explained

Wrexham’s Championship campaign finally ignited on Wednesday night, as Phil Parkinson’s side dismantled a shell-shocked Millwall 3-0 at The Den. The victory ended a winless start to the season and showcased the tactical evolution that has taken place under Parkinson this summer. Kieffer Moore and Jacques Ekomié, the focal points of the attack, exposed the Lions’ defensive frailties with clinical finishes, while Millwall’s injury crisis and recent defensive collapse framed the context of the rout.

A statement of intent, not a fluke

This was no fluke. Wrexham had already shown resilience in their opening-day draw with Cardiff and Watford, only to stumble at home to Birmingham. But against a Millwall side reeling from a 5-1 thrashing by Southampton just days earlier, the Red Dragons seized their chance. The Lions had conceded eight goals in two matches before kick-off, and Wrexham’s ruthless finishing ensured they added three more.

The opening goal arrived in the 28th minute, when Issa Kaboré’s cross was deflected into his own net by Millwall defender Zak Sturge. It was a moment of fortune, but the manner in which Wrexham controlled the game thereafter was anything but lucky. Millwall barely troubled Anthony Patterson in the first half, with Mark Sykes’ effort the only shot on target they mustered before the break. At the other end, Max Cleworth’s header from a Matty James free-kick sailed wide, highlighting the visitors’ growing dominance.

Moore and Ekomié seize their moment

Kieffer Moore doubled the lead shortly after the interval, lashing in a 20-yard strike to cap a composed counter-attack. The Wales international, who had already scored in the season’s opener, now has two goals in four Championship games this term. His physical presence and aerial threat have become a cornerstone of Wrexham’s attack, a point not lost on Parkinson, who praised Moore’s resilience against three 6ft 5in centre-backs.

Jacques Ekomié, the summer signing who arrived from Brighton for £15m, completed the rout with a close-range finish. The left wing-back’s directness and pace added a new dimension to Wrexham’s play, and his goal marked a fitting debut. Five of Wrexham’s seven summer additions featured in the victory, a sign of Parkinson’s squad overhaul and the squad’s growing cohesion.

Millwall’s defensive crisis has been well-documented, with injuries to key players like Josh Coburn and Casper De Norre exacerbating their struggles. The Lions’ recent form—a 5-1 defeat to Southampton and now a 3-0 loss to Wrexham—paints a picture of a team in disarray. Their inability to cope with Wrexham’s physicality and directness only underlined their defensive vulnerabilities.

Parkinson’s blueprint takes shape

This victory was more than just a first win; it was a validation of Parkinson’s tactical approach. The Red Dragons had started the season with two clean sheets in wins over Bristol City and Norwich, but their defensive record had since deteriorated. Against Millwall, however, they showed composure and control, particularly in midfield where Matty James and Lee O’Connor dictated the tempo.

Parkinson’s post-match comments underscored his satisfaction with the squad’s progress. “I’m pleased the transfer window has closed,” he said. “We had players who were close to leaving, so I’m just pleased it’s closed and we can focus on the group.” The uncertainty of the final days of the window had clearly weighed on the squad, but now, with the window shut, Wrexham can look forward with clarity.

The win lifts Wrexham into the top half of the table, a far cry from their playoff near-miss last season. Their next challenge will be to build on this performance, particularly against sides like QPR, who remain unbeaten after four matches. As Parkinson’s side continues to gel, the Championship’s promotion hopefuls would do well to take note.

Wrexham’s victory was a statement of intent, but it was also a reminder that in football, momentum can shift in an instant. The Red Dragons have shown they can compete at this level, and with Moore and Ekomié leading the line, their promotion push is no longer a distant dream.

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