Walsh questions Millwall subs amid Swans' goal struggles
- Published
Ian Walsh questioned Luke Williams' substitutions as Swansea City conceded a late goal to lose 1-0 against Millwall.
Strikers Zan Vipotnik and Liam Cullen both started against the Lions, although the latter was deployed in a deeper role.
However, with Swansea controlling possession and seeking a winner with the score at 0-0, Cullen was replaced by Joe Allen in the 66th minute.
Goncalo Franco and Vipotnik were later replaced by Ollie Cooper and Florian Bianchini respectively, although Casper de Norre struck a 90th-minute winner to earn Neil Harris' side all three points.
Former Swansea and Wales forward Walsh admitted he was somewhat perplexed by the decision to withdraw Cullen at a point where the contest remained firmly in the balance.
"They played Liam Cullen in midfield, in the Ollie Cooper role, slightly deeper," he told Call Rob.
"For me, Liam is not a midfield player, he's a goal poacher, in and around the penalty box. So that surprised me to begin with.
"They brought off Liam Cullen and brought on Joe Allen. You've already got Franco and [Matt] Grimes in there and you bring Joe Allen on in that similar area.
"At his advancing years, you don't expect him to go out and make something happen.
"On the other hand, Neil Harris the Millwall manager brought on three front players to try to change the game because he felt there was something in this game for him.
"Swansea could have been here all day and not scored but if Millwall had half a chance, which they did in the end, they'd take all three points.
"So that was my thought, why bring Joe Allen on when you're struggling to score goals and take Liam Cullen off?
"In the end, Bianchini came on up top and Cooper came on for Franco. It was a little bit too late."
Swansea have failed to score in any of their previous five matches - the club’s longest run without a league goal since 1996.