Video: Japhet Tanganga scores his first-ever senior goal in Millwall victory

Things may finally be starting to look up for Japhet Tanganga, as the Spurs defender scored his first senior goal on loan at Millwall to help his new side earn a crucial win over Southampton in the Championship.

The Tottenham academy graduate has had a tough time of it over the course of this season, having spent six months on loan with German side Augsburg without getting a single minute of football under his belt.

Having been recalled in January, Japhet Tanganga was quickly sent on loan to Championship side Millwall until the end of the campaign.

Since Tanganga joined, the London side had failed to win a game and were lingering just above the drop zone in the Championship. Now, making his sixth appearance for Millwall, the centre-back played a huge role in giving the Lions a valuable away win against high-flying Southampton.

Japhet Tanganga puts in a big performance for Millwall

As per SofaScore statistics, Tanganga was the highest-rated player on the pitch, with an 8.4 rating. The 24-year-old opened the scoring after just five minutes, putting his head to a finely delivered free-kick into a dangerous area and beating Saints keeper, Gavin Bazunu, to the ball.

While his first-ever senior goal will steal the headlines, Tanganga also made a huge 14 clearances during the game, plus two blocked shots, one interception, and two tackles, in a defensive display to be proud of. Among those figures are a clearance off the line, and a last-man tackle, too.

Tanganga won two of his three ground duels, and two of his four aerial duels on the day, but he did lose possession four times and commit one foul. Nevertheless, with 34 touches of the ball, it’s clear the Spurs man was at the heart of the action over the course of the 90 minutes.

Spurs Web Opinion

What a day for Japhet Tanganga. It’s been great to see him just playing again, but to get his first-ever goal and secure the win for Millwall, this will be a real highlight for him. I don’t think he will ever come back to Spurs, but hopefully this is the start of a positive period for Tanganga now.

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