Lewis Miley's dramatic late header secured a 2-1 victory for Newcastle United against Fulham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at St. James' Park. The 19-year-old's injury-time goal sent the holders through to the semi-finals and sparked jubilant celebrations.
The match was a hard-fought contest, with Newcastle looking to bounce back from their recent derby defeat against Sunderland. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight after the win. The victory also marked Newcastle's ninth consecutive win in this competition. The attendance was confirmed at 51,301.
Newcastle took the lead early in the first half when Yoane Wissa, making his first start for the club, tapped in from close range after 10 minutes. However, Fulham responded quickly, with Sasa Lukic heading in an equalizer just six minutes later from an Antonee Robinson cross.
The game remained tense throughout the second half, with both sides creating chances. Fulham's goalkeeper, Benjamin Lecomte, made a fine save to deny Miley in stoppage time. However, from the resulting corner, Miley rose highest to head the ball into the top right corner, sending St. James' Park into raptures.
Despite the victory, Newcastle faced further injury concerns, with Tino Livramento limping off with a knee injury. The extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed, but he left the pitch with a heavily bandaged knee. Howe had already confirmed that Dan Burn would be out for 4-6 weeks with a rib and lung injury. With Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman also unavailable, Howe admitted that the defensive line was vulnerable. Nick Pope is close to recovering from a groin injury. Fulham were without Ryan Sessegnon due to a hamstring injury.
Miley's late goal was a significant moment for the young midfielder, who continues to impress for Newcastle. He became the youngest player in UEFA Champions League history to provide an assist for an English club. Just three days before this match, he scored his first goal for Newcastle in a 3–0 win over Fulham, becoming the youngest player to score in the Premier League for Newcastle.
The win sees Newcastle progress to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, keeping their hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
