Millwall faced a 3-2 defeat at home against Watford in their opening match, but the emotional pre-match tributes to their late goalkeeper Matija Sarkic, who passed away at the age of 26 in June, added a somber tone to the loss. Neil Harris, the manager of Millwall, expressed how challenging the day was emotionally for the team.
Watford took a 2-0 lead with goals from Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze, but Duncan Watmore’s late double goals almost secured a draw for Millwall. However, Mileta Rajovic scored a dramatic winner for Watford in the 90th minute, sealing the victory for Tom Cleverley’s side.
Reflecting on the match, Harris acknowledged that his team struggled to settle at the start due to the emotional circumstances but commended their second-half performance. He emphasized the importance of bravery and expressed disappointment in the manner of Watford’s third goal.
In another game, West Brom’s Josh Maja shone brightly with a hat-trick against QPR, showcasing his improved performance after focusing on his fitness during the summer. His coach, Carlos Corberán, attributed Maja’s success to his hard work and determination to bounce back from a challenging previous season.
Middlesbrough secured a 1-0 victory over Swansea, with Emmanuel Latte Lath scoring the winning goal from a penalty. Coach Michael Carrick highlighted Latte Lath’s importance to the team and praised his consistent performance on the field.
Hull City’s Tim Walter acknowledged the need for reinforcements after a 1-1 draw against Bristol City, emphasizing the players’ courage and commitment despite the challenges. Walter remains optimistic about the team’s progress and is focused on maximizing their potential.
Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris celebrated a 2-0 win against Cardiff in his debut match, recognizing the tough competition but expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance. Stoke also began their season with a 1-0 victory over Coventry, with manager Steve Schumacher praising the team’s resilience and determination.
Oxford marked their return to the second tier with a convincing victory against Norwich, showcasing their strength and skill on the field. Mark Harris and Cameron Brannagan scored the goals that sealed the win for Oxford, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.