Miley’s 92nd-Minute Heroics Send Newcastle to Carabao Cup Semi-Final

NEWCASTLE : Local teenager Lewis Miley cemented his status as a Newcastle United hero on Sunday, heading home a 92nd-minute winner to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals against Manchester City.

Facing a severe defensive crisis with five senior full-backs sidelined—including Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento—head coach Eddie Howe turned to the 19-year-old midfielder to fill an unfamiliar role at right-back. After just one training session in the position, Miley delivered a man-of-the-match performance, capped by a soaring header from a Sandro Tonali corner in the dying moments of the game.

The Magpies started brightly as Yoane Wissa, making his first start since a £55m move from Brentford, took just 10 minutes to open his account. The DR Congo forward pounced on a parried cross from Jacob Murphy to tap home, justifying the hype surrounding his protracted transfer.

Fulham struck back through Sasa Lukic, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize and threaten a penalty shootout. However, Miley’s late intervention ensured the cup holders remain on track to defend their title.

“I couldn’t rate him any higher,” Eddie Howe said of Miley. “He can be as good as anyone in his position, whichever position he plays.”

The win provides much-needed relief for Howe, whose side has struggled with consistency and a staggering injury list. Newcastle now prepare for a heavyweight semi-final clash with Manchester City as they look to return to Wembley for the second consecutive year.