Carabao Cup analysis: Morale-boosting win for Newcastle as they book semi-final place
Newcastle United secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final with a stoppage-time winner against Fulham on Wednesday, December 17.
Lewis Miley’s 92nd-minute header would have definitely brought a sigh of relief to many in the stadium, including manager Eddie Howe, following the weekend’s defeat against Sunderland.
With the derby defeat still fresh and hanging over the club, fan confidence was low going into the cup fixture, making victory vital for Eddie Howe’s team in order to keep fans on side.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Charlotte Allsop looks back at the win.
More than a victory
Following a recent run of discouraging results and performances, a win and a place in the cup semi-finals should help restore momentum and belief within the squad.
With league form under question, a cup fixture provided an opportunity for rotation and a change of focus for Eddie Howe’s men.
The players who were brought into the side had to step up and make their mark. With Yoane Wissa on the scoresheet and strong performances from others like Jacob Ramsey, players’ confidence should be boosted.
Being on the right side of a late winner is a welcome change for the Magpies, who’ve recently made an unwanted habit of conceding late on in games.
This could instil belief back into the side and be the start of a much-needed turnaround in form and performance for Newcastle.
Injury woes
With Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall and Emil Krafth all sidelined, Newcastle went into this fixture low in defensive depth.
Match-winner Lewis Miley slotted in at right-back and performed well, with Howe commenting: “He hasn’t played right-back a lot and he had to take on a lot of information this morning, so he did really well.”
One negative from the win against Marco Silva’s men was the forced substitution of Tino Livramento in the 76th minute.
The full-back limped off the pitch with a knee injury, adding to Newcastle’s current defensive injury woes.
Howe spoke after the game and stated, “It looks like a knee problem and Tino’s had issues with knee injuries before. So the fact he had to come off and he’s such an honest, dependable lad - that sends worrying signs.”
It’s hoped that Lewis Hall will be able to return for Saturday’s early kick-off against Chelsea, and that will be a welcomed boost.
Wissa and Miley to the rescue
A goal each from Wissa and Miley secured Newcastle’s progression to the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the third time in their last four attempts.
An injury-ridden start has forced Newcastle’s number nine to have a hindered start to his time in the North-East.
However, a goal on his first start since arriving in September was a momentous occasion.
“I was dreaming about it a couple of months ago and now I’ve got my first goal with this shirt,” he said, “It’s so special for me.”
Boyhood Newcastle fan, Lewis Miley, netted the winner, stating: “It’s an unreal feeling. I grew up here, it couldn’t be a better feeling and hopefully we progress to the final.”
Newcastle were drawn against Manchester City in the semi-final, which will definitely be a tough test for the reigning Carabao Cup champions. Can they knock out Pep Guardiola’s men?
