Millwall could not start 2018 in the same way they left last year as they were defeated 2-1 away to Norwich City on New Year’s Day.

Skipper Steve Morison scored a cracker from 30 yards out shortly before half-time to give the Lions the lead against his former club.

However, the Canaries put a damper on any premature celebrations as a Tom Trybull equaliser on 57 minutes was followed up later by a James Maddison winner 13 minutes from time.

Here are five things we learned…

1. Harris’ anger is understandable as Millwall struggled later in the game

Neil Harris was, in his own words, ‘raging’ in the post-match conference after the 2-1 defeat to Norwich.

His team went into the break having stifled and frustrated the home side who had been relegated to shots from outside the box that seldom hit the target.

Even Norwich’s own fans turned against them at times.

The Lions’ slow but gradual capitulation is what will hurt as they lost their grip on ensuring they came away with something at Carrow Road.

2. What was the cause – tired legs and tired minds, or is that not an excuse?

Millwall have now played three games in six days and relied on a late fitness test to see Conor McLaughlin reintroduced after his injury against Wolves on Boxing Day.

You could argue it was a matter of tiredness which allowed mistakes to occur that would not happen otherwise, such as a 5ft 11in Tom Trybull get a relatively unchallenged header against a 6ft 4in Jake Cooper for the equalising goal.

But the end, it was disappointing to see all the hard work done during the first 45 go to waste in the second 45 when Norwich were not particularly amazing themselves.

3. Morison’s goal was a goal of the month contender – and he made sure Norwich fans knew about it

It was a strike from 30 yards that clearly had enough pace and power to get past goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

The goal against Queens Park Rangers to win the game was special enough for a few reasons, namely as it was his first league goal of the season, but this one was just as good – if not better.

His celebration included cupping his ears to the Carrow Road supporters in the far corner of the stadium and pointing to the name printed on the back of his shirt, which was sure to rile someone up.

An intriguing return to East Anglia.

4. No particular individual was to blame, so finger-pointing is futile

It’s an easy exercise to point out individual errors which could surmise as the reason why Millwall lost against Norwich.

There were occasions where Mahlon Romeo looked overwhelmed by his opposite man in Josh Murphy as he marauded the left wing and drilled in crosses.

Other times, George Saville and Shaun Williams struggled against a nimble Alex Pritchard who cut the midfield apart at times.

But that said, there is no one person to single out – because they don’t exist. As a team, the Lions were tamed by a decidedly average Norwich team that had their moments on the day.

5. This is a stinging loss, but there are positives to come in the following weeks

What will rankle the most is that Norwich have been poor this season. Going into the game, they had lost four and drawn five of their last 12 home games.

Three of their last six were defeats, including a surprise 2-1 win for Brentford.

However, an FA Cup tie against Barnsley on Saturday provides reprieve because Neil Harris is expected to freshen the squad and continue focusing on the league. Anything else will be a bonus.

In addition, one or two faces will return and others will be reshuffled as new players are being looked at this January window.