Youngster adapts to unfamiliar role and delivers late winner
Lewis Miley was handed an unexpected assignment on the morning of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup quarter-final with Fulham: make your first senior start at right-back.
With a raft of injuries to key defenders, head coach Eddie Howe told the 19-year-old he would have a single training session to learn “how to be a right-back.” Despite the short notice, Miley embraced the role and produced the decisive moment, rising at the near post to head home Sandro Tonali’s corner in the 92nd minute and send St James’ Park into delirium.
On his performance and potential, Howe said: “I’m reluctant to put pressure on his shoulders than he’s already got, but he can be as good as anyone in his position, whichever position he plays,” Howe said.
Howe added more praise after the match: “I thought he was outstanding at right-back and he’s really grown in central midfield in terms of stature and confidence and belonging, which are all really important qualities – and the goals will add to that. He’s got a bit of everything so I couldn’t rate him any higher.”
Yoane Wissa, making his first start since recovering from a knee problem, marked the occasion by opening the scoring inside 10 minutes. A sweeping crossfield pass found Jacob Murphy on the right, whose drilled ball across the box forced Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte into a save that fell perfectly to Wissa.
The forward’s movement and intent were on display throughout, as he pressed, confronted opponents and later earned a standing ovation when he was substituted for Nick Woltemade.
Wissa reflected on wearing the black-and-white shirt: “I’ve been here and knew it was special,” Wissa told Sky Sports. “Now playing with the Newcastle shirt, it is different. Very happy today. Winning a cup is special. They did it last year when I wasn’t there, so now I want to do it.”
Fulham’s Sasa Lukic levelled the tie after Wissa’s opener, and the match looked set for a penalty shoot-out. Instead, Miley’s late header from Tonali’s corner secured victory and sent Newcastle through to a semi-final against Manchester City.
Afterwards the home-grown midfielder, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, told Sky Sports: “I’m buzzing. It’s an unreal feeling. I grew up here, it couldn’t be a better feeling and hopefully we progress to the final.”
The win offered some respite after a difficult run for Newcastle, which included a painful derby defeat at Sunderland that left a mark on the squad.
Howe acknowledged the atmosphere around training in the days after the derby: “The training ground has been a sombre place,” Howe said. “We fully recognise what we did in the last game and what that left with the people of Newcastle. We had to live with that. I’m not going to lie.”
Despite recent inconsistencies in the league and cup competitions, the manager and players were buoyed by the vocal backing at St James’ Park, which included banners and sustained support during the match.
Howe paid tribute to the supporters: “I can’t thank them enough,” Howe added.
The victory keeps Newcastle’s defence of the Carabao Cup alive and gives Howe options as injuries force tactical tweaks. Miley’s adaptability and composure under pressure provide the team with an unexpected but welcome resource, while Wissa’s contributions hint at what the club hoped to gain when they invested in the forward.
Newcastle now prepare for a semi-final meeting with Manchester City as they attempt to return to Wembley and defend the trophy they lifted last season.
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