UPDATE: Newcastle United has secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal from Lewis Miley. The match, held on October 31, 2023, saw Miley, just 19 years old, score in the 92nd minute, propelling Newcastle into the semi-finals.
In an electrifying start, Yoane Wissa put Newcastle ahead in the 10th minute, but Fulham quickly equalized through Sasa Lukic, who scored in the 16th minute. The game appeared destined for penalties until Miley capitalized on a corner from Sandro Tonali, sealing the win for the holders.
Eddie Howe expressed his pride in Miley’s performance, highlighting the midfielder’s adaptability as he stepped into a makeshift right-back role due to Lewis Hall’s absence from the squad, who was sidelined with a hamstring issue. Howe remarked, “When I told him this morning ‘I’m going to play you at right-back,’ his reaction was typical Lewy, ‘OK’ and nodded his head.”
Miley’s decisive goal showcased his potential, with Howe adding, “The fact he did it for the team in such a good way, I think you get rewarded for that.” The manager noted Miley’s height and aerial ability, emphasizing, “He’s six foot four, should contribute, and you can see his technical quality.”
The victory also came amid challenges for Newcastle’s defense, with Tino Livramento forced off the field in the second half, compounding their injury woes. Looking ahead, Newcastle will face a formidable challenge in the semi-finals against Manchester City, with Howe acknowledging the difficulty of the matchup.
“Whoever we were going to get was going to be difficult,” said Howe. “Manchester City is probably the most difficult game we ever have to prepare for. They’re an outstanding team.” He remained optimistic, recalling their previous victory over City this season as a motivational factor.
On the other side, Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, expressed disappointment at the loss, particularly given the late nature of the goal. “To lose the way we lost in the last moments of the game is very difficult for us,” Silva stated. “We had a better first half but fell short in the second.”
This latest development not only highlights Miley’s rising star but also underscores Newcastle’s determination to retain their cup title as they prepare for their next high-stakes match. Fans eagerly await the upcoming semi-final clash, hoping for continued success in the competition.
