A stoppage-time header from teenager Lewis Miley gave holders Newcastle a 2-1 win over Fulham, sending them through to the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
The 19-year-old played out of position at right-back but was in the right position to head in substitute Sandro Tonali’s corner in the 92nd minute, sparking frenzied scenes at St James’ Park and putting the derby disaster at Sunderland to the forefront.
Newcastle increased their lead 10 minutes into the game through Yoan Wissa, before Sasa Lukic equalized for Fulham with a header six minutes later. Marco Silva’s side fought bravely but faltered as the second half wore on.
Yoan Ouissa celebrates his first Newcastle goal after scoring 10 minutes into his first start
Miley’s sharp header saw Newcastle win their ninth consecutive Carabao Cup in regulation time, their longest run in the competition since Liverpool in 1995, and remain in the hunt for the trophy that ended the club’s 70-year silverware drought.
Newcastle need to beat City in their two semi-final games to return to the final. The first leg will take place in the week commencing 12 January 2026 and the second leg will take place in the week commencing 2 February 2026.
There was a sense of déjà vu in the North East, as Newcastle had already secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham thanks to a late header when they met here in the Premier League in October. Lukic scored the equalizer for Fulham on this day as well.
St James’ Park were tense for much of the game after Sunday’s derby defeat to Sunderland, but any fears were temporarily alleviated when Wissa fired home from close range after a direct pass from Fulham’s substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte.
Lukic celebrates Newcastle equalizer
However, Fulham quickly hit back and Lukic scored an equalizer six minutes later to upset Newcastle. Newcastle’s midfielder, completely free in the box, headed home from Anthony Robinson’s cross.
Fulham keeper Lecomte made a fine save to deny Miley in stoppage time and threatened a penalty, but the Newcastle academy product headed home from a corner kick to send his team into the semi-finals.
Newcastle lost full-back Tino Livramento to injury in the second half, and with the team already without three players in that position, head coach Eddie Howe said after the match that “the situation was not good”.
The England international had ice on his knee at full time but could join Dan Byrne, Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier and Emil Craft on the sideline ahead of the busy Festival fixture.
Howe: Miley takes her game to a new level
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:
“That was a tough game, as it always was today (after the Sunderland defeat). We came back on home soil and I thought we controlled the game. Fulham were a good team and they had some good moments, but I thought we deserved to win.”
On Miley: “I think it was a great performance from a really talented young player. He hasn’t played too quickly and had to take in a lot of information this morning, but he did really, really well and finished with a goal.”
“He believes he’s more than good enough to play at this level and not only plays but performs well. And I think you’re seeing that right now. I think he’s taking his game to another level and nights like tonight only help him.”
On Wissa: “It was a really positive night in many ways. It was a great moment for Yoan to score. Especially in the beginning of the game, he scored it brilliantly. He will only get better in the minutes of the game.”
On Librament: “No (news), but things don’t look good. The fact that he left is a worrying sign. We are very stretched in that area, so it will be a big blow.”
Silva frustrated by Fulham’s lack of players
Fulham manager Marco Silva told Sky Sports:
“We love our players and everything else. They have worked hard in very difficult circumstances. This season has been very difficult for us. It’s a very short absence from the team.”
“Newcastle were able to refresh almost everyone up front and start the game in a completely different way.
“It’s a completely different reality. If you want to progress, if you want to participate in these stages and be competitive, then of course it’s a step to take.”
“Now is the time to let the players recover and rest. It’s another big game for us because we need to be as fresh as possible come Monday.”
Newcastle set for nine games in January
Newcastle are preparing for a busy January, playing nine games throughout the month before facing Man City in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
January 4: Crystal Palace (H), Premier League, 3pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
January 7: Leeds (H), Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm, live on Sky Sports
January 10: Bournemouth (H), FA Cup third round, 3pm kick-off
Match against 12 January: Man City (H), Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
January 18: Wolves (A), Premier League, 2pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
January 21: PSV Eindhoven (H), Champions League, 8pm kick-off
January 25: Aston Villa (H), Premier League, 2pm kick-off, live on Sky Sports
January 28: PSG (A), Champions League, 8pm kick-off
January 31: Liverpool (A), Premier League, 8pm kick-off
Match against 2 February: Man City (A), Carabao Cup semi-final 2nd leg
