Newcastle United Advances to Carabao Cup Semi-Finals with Late Winner
Teenager Lewis Miley scored a dramatic late winner, propelling Newcastle United past Fulham to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The quarter-final match appeared to be headed for penalties after Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic equalized with a header, cancelling out Yoane Wissa's initial goal at St James' Park.
However, Miley found the net with a header at the near post from a corner taken by Sandro Tonali during stoppage time, helping Newcastle bounce back from a disappointing derby defeat to Sunderland just days earlier.
The 19-year-old midfielder stepped up when his team needed him most, filling in at right-back due to injuries affecting Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento, who left the match injured.
Miley's contribution provided head coach Eddie Howe with a crucial victory, as fans vocally supported him throughout the match.
The young player was one of five who retained their spots in the lineup after Howe made six changes to the team following the weekend's match.
Wissa, making his first start since recovering from a knee injury and completing his £55m transfer from Brentford, made an immediate impact. Although Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte managed to get a hand on Jacob Murphy's first-time cross, he inadvertently deflected the ball into Wissa's path, allowing him to score from close range.
Newcastle's lead was short-lived, as Antonee Robinson found space between Murphy and Miley to set up Lukic, who powered a header past Aaron Ramsdale.
Lecomte was kept busy throughout the match, making several key saves, including a late effort from Miley that he managed to claw away. Ultimately, Miley's header from the ensuing corner secured Newcastle's place in their third EFL Cup semi-final in four seasons.
Newcastle's Response After Derby Defeat
Throughout Eddie Howe's four-year tenure at Newcastle, two constants have emerged: the team's resilience and their penchant for delivering in crucial moments during the Carabao Cup. Both factors were on display on Wednesday night.
While the performance was not flawless, many believe Newcastle cannot fully atone for their derby defeat until they face Sunderland again in March. Nonetheless, this victory was significant.
With the match teetering on the brink of a penalty shootout, the team persevered, pushing for a winner until the final whistle. The enthusiastic crowd rallied behind the players as the fourth official indicated six minutes of stoppage time, culminating in Miley's decisive goal.
Previously, Miley had scored what appeared to be a winning goal in Leverkusen during the Champions League, only for the visitors to equalize late in that match. However, this time, Newcastle held on for the victory.
Upcoming Matches
Newcastle will host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, followed by a visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Friday, December 26, at 20:00 GMT.
Fulham will welcome Nottingham Forest to Craven Cottage on Monday, December 22, at 20:00 GMT, before heading to London Stadium to take on West Ham on Saturday, December 27, at 15:00 GMT.