Newcastle United’s Champions League game against Benfica was a chance to show off new players and how deep their tactics are. Eddie Howe moved the midfield, and it worked out great because they won by a lot. It was a major departure from the customary lineup when the manager decided to replace Sandro Tonali with Lewis Miley and Joelinton with Jacob Ramsey. People started to wonder what the manager was doing before the game. The risk was worth it, as Miley’s performance revealed. He played in the middle of the pitch with confidence and maturity, much like he did in the 2023/24 season when he broke out. Bruno Guimaraes was able to think of more inventive ideas since he maintained cool when things were tough. This helped the team structure work and flow nicely. Howe’s comments after the game underlined Miley’s unique qualities, and Jose Mourinho’s honest evaluation of the game indicated that the Portuguese manager appreciated Newcastle’s physical and tactical superiority. This article goes into detail about how Howe feels about Miley’s growth, how Mourinho breaks down the match dynamics, and what this means for Newcastle’s European campaign. It shows that the team is getting better because of both individual talent and group strength.
Howe commended Miley for staying calm in the middle of the pitch.
Starting Lewis Miley in midfield was a bold move by Eddie Howe, but it worked out since the 19-year-old enjoyed what could be regarded his best game since breaking through last season. With Tonali out and Ramsey taking Joelinton’s place, the lineup brought new vigour and balance. This allowed Miley to hold down the midfield with great calm. The young player kept the ball moving smoothly, easily stopped threats, and made space for Guimaraes to lead the attack. It was a great bonus that he could think well in tight spaces, especially when the pitch felt small. He was able to get past Benfica’s press without becoming angry.
Howe hailed Miley’s effort in glowing terms, calling it a “top performance” that went beyond technical skill. He remarked that the young player could manage the pressure and thrill of a high-stakes Champions League encounter, and he pointed out that Miley had been cool from the start. Howe stated, “He puts so much into that show.” “Being able to handle all the pressure and hype of the game and still do what he needed to do is what makes him great.” He has that rare talent, and he has had it since the first game he played. He didn’t have to worry about anything and could just be himself. The manager said that Miley’s composure was a good match for Guimaraes, and the two worked well together to control the pace and change the play.
Howe noted that Miley’s performance demonstrated that she could play a lot of different positions on the team and that she had the capability to do so. “He has all the qualities to be anything he wants to be in different roles,” he said. “He can play holding as he did today or further up the pitch. He can do a little bit of everything. You can see he’s relaxed as he and there on the pitch. You can tell that this was a big game for the football club because of how well he played and how he acted. He didn’t care.
This help comes at a very vital time for Miley, who has been trying to get more playing time in a crowded midfield. Howe added that young players need to work for their playing time, and nights like this one would be very helpful in giving them more chances. “He needs to play and grow, which is clear for any young player,” Howe added. “But he has to work for it; I’m not going to give it to him.” So nights like this will really help him get that.
Miley’s image of himself makes his narrative more interesting. Howe added that the young guy thinks he is as good as well-known players like Tonali and Guimaraes. This suggests that he is sure of himself but not too sure. The manager said, “I think Lewis sees himself with them.” “Of course, he wants help, direction, and progress, but I think it’s good that he thinks he’s on the same level as them and is competing with them for places.” Miley’s combative style and maturity suggest that he has a bright future ahead of him, and he might be a crucial member in Newcastle’s midfield engine room. The way the team played in the match not only confirmed Howe’s faith, but it also showed how deep the squad is. Miley might be a long-term solution in a position that often has to cope with injuries and rotation demands.
Mourinho’s Honest Take on How Strong Newcastle Is
Before the game, Jose Mourinho spoke great things about Benfica, Newcastle, Sir Bobby Robson’s legacy, and the close bond between the city and its team. But after losing 3-0, he was honest and passionate about what he thought. He said that the other squad was clearly better in terms of talent and strength. Mourinho said that Newcastle had a “higher horsepower engine,” which meant that they were more intense, faster, and had more players on the bench than Benfica in the second half. The Portuguese coach noted that not scoring first was the key moment, noting that Benfica had a lot of chances in the first half but lost their confidence after giving up a goal.This result will of only added to Newcastle united confidence and currently, according to Boylesports who are one of the best online slots and odds provider,s The Toon are 14/1 to win the Champions league this season.
Mourinho chose Anthony Gordon as the man of the match because he scored a goal, assisted another, and played so well that he worried Benfica’s defence. “They have four wingers who are fast and strong,” he said while talking about Newcastle’s attacking options. We were weak when you switched two players in the 50th or 60th minute and then switched one again later because we lost the close play we had in the first half. People said that Harvey Barnes coming off the bench and scoring twice was “total luxury,” which demonstrates how deep Howe’s team is. Mourinho stated, “It’s a luxury to have Harvey Barnes on the bench.” “It’s great to have Barnes on the bench.” Then they kill us by moving swiftly, changing speed, and being more intense. We couldn’t take that.
The old Benfica coach remarked that the score at the end of the first half didn’t represent how well the sides were playing and that the game was going too fast. He remembers a great shot from Lukebakio that hit the post before Newcastle scored. This made him assume that an early goal from his club might have changed the outcome. “If we score a goal before them, if we reach half-time leading, or even if we reach half-time tied, we can keep playing the same way,” he stated. The second goal was a “killer” for the other squad mentally, and it transformed the game totally. Mourinho’s research showed that Benfica had a hard time keeping up with Newcastle’s physical qualities, notably in set pieces and transitions, where the hosts’ physicality in the box and quick counters made a major difference.
Mourinho was honest about how much he admired Newcastle’s setup. He said that they were always a threat while being compact. He acknowledged that the levels were different and that Newcastle’s “horsepower” was too high, but he praised his team’s ability to create chances. This honest view, which was given with the usual zeal, taught us a lot about the game and showed us what Benfica needs to focus on, such how to defend and how to make the most of their chances. Mourinho’s comments proved that Newcastle is becoming better and made the case that they can compete at the top level in Europe.
What this implies for Newcastle’s run in the Champions League
Mourinho’s criticism of Miley and Gordon and the manner they played show us how Newcastle’s identity is changing under Howe. The club trusts young players since Miley played well in a high-stakes game. The 19-year-old’s intelligence and personality show that he is ready for greater work. Howe praised Guimaraes and said that their chemistry might form the basis for the midfield, giving balance and creativity. Howe’s decision to switch Tonali and Joelinton, even if it was risky, worked out, proving that he is willing to trust fresh players in important games.
Miley believes he can compete with players like Tonali and Guimaraes, which makes him a key part of Newcastle’s long-term plans. This could mean that the team doesn’t need to rely on big-name recruits as much and can build a solid unit. Jose Mourinho’s comments on Newcastle’s depth and physicality in attack give other clubs something to think about, but they also make the club proud. Howe has tactical latitude thanks to the “four lightning-fast wingers,” such as Gordon, Barnes, and others. This helps him make substitutes that change the game, like Barnes’ two goals.
The manager’s comments regarding Miley’s amazing ability to keep calm illustrate how much of a mental edge Newcastle possesses in European matches. Not only do they get points for beating Benfica, but it also boosts their confidence. The team’s speed and intensity were very important against a tough opponent. These games might influence the way Newcastle competes in the Champions League in the future. Howe can try out numerous formations with Miley because she is very flexible. The wingers’ quickness means that counter-attacks are always a danger. As Mourinho remarked, there are still issues to work out, such as making sure things stay the same in tight midfields and controlling rotation so that players don’t become too tired. Miley’s ascent gives the midfield greater depth, and the attacking options give the squad more firepower, thus there are a lot of chances. The fact that the team can withstand pressure and come through in big games, like they did against Benfica, is a promising indicator for a competitive season.
How Howe has transformed the way Newcastle plays
Eddie Howe’s choice to shuffle the midfield against Benfica was sensible because it combined younger and older players to fool a team with greater experience. Miley’s task at the base was to clean up and pass with calm authority, which helped Guimaraes take leadership of the game. Together, they established the pace. Adding Ramsey made the three more dynamic and balanced. Howe trusts Miley, a player who has “all the attributes to be whatever he wants.” This indicates that he believes in rewarding form and potential. This makes a team where people compete for slots, which helps them flourish.
After the game, Mourinho was honest and told Newcastle how to maximise their assets. Their aggressiveness, speed, and depth were too much for Benfica, especially after the second goal destroyed their will. The Portuguese coach’s praise for Gordon’s exciting play and Barnes’ impact from the bench demonstrates how many good players the squad has, which helps Howe keep the intensity up throughout games. In the first half, when Benfica hit the post, Newcastle’s defence was strong. But in the second half, Newcastle’s ability to move the ball quickly and set pieces made the difference. Mourinho said that Newcastle is a great European club because they have both organisation and firepower.
The game has an effect on how the team works together. Miley’s outstanding play means he gets more time on the pitch, which could make things harder for Tonali and Joelinton. Miley provides Guimaraes the freedom to be creative, which makes him stronger. Mourinho said that the wingers’ speed offers Howe a chance to use open areas, and Barnes’ status as a top player gives the squad a game-changing option off the bench. It’s hard to keep up this level of energy with a busy schedule, but the squad has a lot of players to choose from.
A Step Forward for Newcastle’s European Goals
Newcastle made two significant moves forward in the Champions League with Lewis Miley’s goal and Jose Mourinho’s excellent analysis. Howe lauded Miley’s intelligence and serenity, which demonstrates that a new age of great midfielders is coming. Mourinho’s admiration for how strong the team is proves that they are growing better. Newcastle is building a club that can win in Europe by adding young players who can adapt and strikers who can score quickly. The win over Benfica not only earns them points, but it also builds their confidence and gets them ready for a tough season with Howe as their coach.
