Millwall player ratings - 'Brilliant' 9/10 and 'midfield machine' 8 as Plymouth Argyle beaten at The Den

An organised Millwall side made light work of Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle under the lights at The Den on Wednesday night.

Romain Esse is so often the star man for the Lions and the 19-year-old was the one to ensure the home side started well. The winger's persistence caused a Plymouth Argyle mistake in central midfield and Millwall forwards drove forwards into the opposition box.

Esse kept a cool head to play a one-two with George Honeyman and calmly slotted home past a scrambled Plymouth defence to put Millwall 1-0 up after just 13 minutes.

Truly, that was the only real moment of quality in the Championship meeting but Neil Harris will be chuffed with his side’s dominance in the match and a vital three points.

Here’s how the Millwall players rated.

GK - Lukas Jensen, 7

Had some dangerous balls in from the flanks to deal with. Not made to work too hard from shots but had to stay awake. Made a meal of a late corner in a slightly hair raising end to the game.

LB - Joe Bryan, 8

Had a potentially tricky evening ahead of him with Whittaker to deal with, but unfazed by the forward’s running. Picked his moments to get forwards carefully, a beautiful curved ball into the path of Ivanovic a highlight in the first half.

CB - Japhet Tanganga, 9

A commanding performance at the heart of defence. Got his head up well at times, playing the brilliant ball which led to a golden chance for Azeez shortly after half time.

CB - Jake Cooper, 8

Not tested defensively and always a threat from set plays with his height.

RB - Ryan Leonard, 7

Confident overall. Had a decent chance on the swivel from a set play in the 64th minute but it was one of those that was likely harder than it looked.

CDM - George Saville, 9

Wily performance in midfield. Made an important intervention early on around the penalty shout fracas and helped ensure the visitors had no chances of note.

CDM - Casper De Norre, 7

Usual big shift in the engine room. Perhaps a little overeager at times but a solid showing.

LW - Femi Azeez, 7

Always looking to run and Plymouth Argyle never fully looked comfortable with the winger. Had a golden chance shortly after the break as he latched onto a Tanganga through ball. Grimshaw was out quickly and there was pressure from defenders, but the former Reading man had enough time to really be hitting the back of the net.

CAM - George Honeyman, 8

Booked early for a tactical foul after an underwhelming free kick but improved immediately after that. A little leggy towards the end but deservedly so with how much ground he covered tonight. A midfield machine.

RW - Romain Esse, 9

Brilliant for his goal, having won possession and then showed composure past his years to make the move and finish it. Millwall will hope that late knock is nothing too serious.

ST - Mihailo Ivanovic, 7

Showed plenty of enthusiasm and is clearly growing into life in the Championship but a little clumsy at times, being caught offside and committing cheap fouls.

SUB - Ryan Wintle, 6

Fresh legs to help see out the result.

SUB - Daniel Kelly, 6

Nice little cameo with plenty of running.

SUB - Macauly Langstaff, 7

Worked hard off the ball to help see out the game.

SUB - Danny McNamara, 7

Only a handful of minutes on the pitch but made an impressive diving header when defending.