Newcastle's new manager, Matthias Jaissle, selected a strong starting eleven, with Jacob Ramsey in on the right for the early-season hot-hands Anthony Elanga. Millwall made seven changes to the zombified remains of a team that has been staggering around the country in the opening few weeks. The game was a significant test for Newcastle, who have been excitingly direct at times under their new manager, with his much-trailed blueprint for hyper-vertical attack, rapid transition, and getting it forward quick-smart to the lads up front.
Joe Willock scored the only goal of this boisterous, fun, slightly vague early-season cup tie, finishing neatly on 81 minutes. Although by the end there was a sense both sets of fans were more or less happy with the result. Millwall for the vigour of the performance. Newcastle for the result, the clean sheet and any signs of early progress in the dawning of the age of Jaissle-ball. The next step for Newcastle is to build on this momentum and continue to develop their system, which they still need to groove.