EFL Cup First Round: Millwall Triumphs in Shootout as Early Upsets Loom
Millwall advanced to the second round after goalkeeper Lukas Jensen saved four penalties to overcome QPR. Elsewhere, West Ham struggles to assert dominance against Portsmouth despite holding a narrow halftime lead.
Key takeaways
- Millwall progressed to the second round after a 2-0 penalty shootout win over QPR, fueled by four saves from Lukas Jensen.
- West Ham held a 2-1 halftime lead over Portsmouth at the London Stadium with majority shareholder David Sullivan in attendance.
- Birmingham City took a 1-0 lead against Swansea City through an August Priske goal, capitalizing on a late first-half set-piece.
- Burnley and Stoke City both scored early in the second half to shift the momentum of their respective first-round ties.
- The EFL Cup second-round draw will be conducted on Monday following the conclusion of the first-round fixtures.
Lukas Jensen Dominates QPR Shootout
In a dramatic conclusion at Loftus Road, Millwall secured their place in the second round of the EFL Cup following a penalty shootout victory over QPR. The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation time, was decided by the heroics of Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen. Jensen saved four consecutive penalties, denying Ilias Chair, Harvey Vale, Koki Saito, and Kwame Poku. Despite QPR keeper Pierce Charles stopping efforts from Tairyk Arconte and Camiel Neghli, Millwall claimed a 2-0 shootout win after Jake Cooper and debutant Mark Sykes converted their spot-kicks.
West Ham Lead Amid Off-Field Scrutiny
At the London Stadium, West Ham United entered the break with a 2-1 lead over Portsmouth. Majority shareholder David Sullivan was observed in the stands, marking a public appearance after recent reports by BBC Panorama and The Times. Sullivan, who denies allegations of exploitative behavior and recently resigned as co-chair, watched as his side recovered from a slow start. Former Portsmouth manager Guy Whittingham noted that West Ham's quality only surfaced after their 42nd-minute opening goal.
Mid-Afternoon Action and Results
Several ties remain finely balanced as the second halves commence. Burnley leveled their match against Notts County through a Zian Flemming strike in the 48th minute, while an unfortunate Ollie Norburn own goal handed Stoke City the lead against Oldham. In Wales, Birmingham City leads Swansea 1-0 courtesy of an August Priske goal, defying their poor away record from the previous season.
Key Facts
- Millwall goalkeeper Lukas Jensen saved four penalties in the shootout against QPR.
- West Ham's David Sullivan attended the match against Portsmouth despite recent controversy and his resignation as co-chair.
- Zian Flemming scored in the 48th minute to bring Burnley level with Notts County.
- The second-round draw is scheduled to take place on Monday.
- Three additional ties, including Rotherham versus West Brom, are set for late afternoon kick-offs.
What Happens Next
Winners from today's 29 fixtures will progress to the second round of the competition. The official draw to determine the next set of matchups will be held this coming Monday. Attention now turns to the evening fixtures as Colchester hosts Southampton and Cheltenham faces Charlton.
Source: BBC
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