Cyle Larin once again demonstrated why Southampton manager Tonda Eckert rates him as the premier marksman in the Championship, netting two goals in a commanding 5-1 triumph that ended Millwall's flawless opening run. The match began with Mark Sykes giving the home side an early edge, but Larin’s brace, combined with Finn Azaz’s easy finish, Leo Scienza’s spot‑kick and Tom Fellows’ inaugural goal for the Saints, ensured a comprehensive victory for the visitors. The Canadian striker has now found the back of the net four times in the first three league fixtures, taking his total for Southampton to twelve goals in just nineteen Championship appearances – a ratio that underscores his lethal efficiency. Southampton also cleared their four‑point penalty imposed for the infamous "Spygate" incident, while Millwall suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Alex Neil’s Millwall entered the game perched atop the table, having displayed the form that justified their position during the opening fifteen minutes. Early on, Tairyk Arconte forced a reflex save from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, and Josh Coburn’s header drifted wide, but the breakthrough came when Sykes capitalised on a half‑clearance at the edge of the box, directing a deflected strike into the net. It marked the Irish forward’s first goal for the club since his free‑transfer arrival from Bristol City over the summer. The Saints then began to dominate every facet of play.
Ryan Manning’s aggressive short corner rattled a post, signalling the shift in momentum. Larin equalised in the 25th minute, meeting Manning’s deep free‑kick with a powerful volley, maintaining his perfect scoring record in the league this season. Thirteen minutes later, Scienza showcased his dribbling prowess, slipping past Jake Cooper, sprinting down the byline, lofting a precise pass over goalkeeper Max Crocombe and setting up Azaz for a simple tap‑in. Millwall had opportunities to level before the interval; Kyrell Lisbie struck the post after Arconte released him on a swift counter‑attack, a clear sign that the visitors could have reduced the deficit had they been more clinical.
The second half began with the reintroduction of James Ward‑Prowse, whose presence lifted the home crowd. A penalty was awarded when Cooper fouled Azaz inside the box, and Scienza calmly slotted the spot‑kick, extending Southampton’s lead. The highlight of the match arrived in the 62nd minute when Larin produced a moment of individual brilliance.
He lifted the ball over Cooper’s head, then, from the edge of the area, volleyed it into the bottom corner with exquisite technique. The strike was so well‑executed that it deserved a hat‑trick, but Crocombe – standing in for the injured Lukas Jensen – managed to block the follow‑up, preventing Larin from completing the three‑goal haul. Southampton’s fifth goal came from Tom Fellows, who celebrated his one‑year anniversary at St Mary’s by calmly finishing past Crocombe, sealing a 12th unbeaten home league match for the Saints. After the final whistle, manager Tonda Eckert praised his side’s resilience and Larin’s confidence, noting, "It doesn’t hurt to have points on the board.
We knew we needed to chase this season and we have shown we are capable of doing that. That second finish from Larin is just class.
A striker does things differently when he is full of confidence. He takes responsibility for the team and does a lot off the pitch that isn’t seen publicly, which makes him invaluable.
He could have taken the hat‑trick but I decided to take him off." Millwall’s Alex Neil expressed disappointment, saying, "It was a strange game – we were very good for the first 25 minutes, took the lead and should have added another while we were on top. The goals we conceded were poor from our perspective. We lacked the resilience and grit we usually show in the final 20 minutes. I am bitterly disappointed with how the game ended." Overall, Southampton’s performance was a masterclass in attacking football, combining swift transitions, disciplined defending and clinical finishing.
Larin’s contributions cemented his status as a top‑flight striker, while the team’s ability to overturn an early deficit highlighted their depth and tactical flexibility. Millwall, despite a promising start, will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses if they hope to maintain their early-season momentum.
The result also marks a significant moment for Southampton, as they move past the points deduction and re‑establish themselves as serious contenders in the race for promotion.