It wasn’t a classic, but it’s a vital win, a victory Eddie Howe desperately needed and yet another Carabao Cup semi-final for Newcastle United as Lewis Miley’s stoppage-time header sent us through.
The draw has been made, and it’s Man City that awaits Eddie Howe’s Mags in the after they beat Brentford 2-0 tonight, with the first leg against Pep Guardiola’s side set to be played in the week beginning 12th January.
Back to the game, Howe made six changes from Sunday’s disastrous defeat on Wearside, as Schar, Willock, Ramsey, Barnes, Murphy, and Wissa replaced Burn, Hall, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, and Woltemade, with Hall left out to manage his ‘minor’ hamstring issue.
It was a mixed first half, featuring a slow opening 10 minutes that Fulham controlled before Wissa opened the scoring against the run of play with his first touch in the box. Poor goalkeeping aside, it was a brilliant ball from Schar to start the attack, a dangerous ball from Murphy and quick-thinking from Wissa to stab home his first in black and white.
Our lead didn’t last long, however, as Robinson’s simple cross and Lukic’s free header drew Fulham level five minutes later, punishing our lapse in concentration and silencing St James’ Park.
That equaliser was hardly a massive shock after our passive start, although we did grow into the half, end it on the front foot and with 60% of the ball, giving us hope heading into a big second 45 attacking the Gallowgate.
Fulham looked like a side hoping for penalties and we were in danger of it going to spot kicks, as Barnes had a low shot saved and Tino wasted a huge opening with a weak ball across the box. But, with Tonali, Woltemade, Gordon and Elanga all on, we forced a stoppage time corner and Miley climbed highest, glancing in at the Gallowgate to make it three goals in his last six games and send Newcastle into the semi finals.
Lewis Miley sends holders Newcastle into the Carabao Cup semi-finals in stoppage-time! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YVdMv1heKm
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 17, 2025
So, huge relief for Howe, our eighth home win in our last nine and a feeling of job done to get over the line, but a worry to see Livramento limp off with another knee injury and a shame that Schar’s yellow will keep him out of the opening leg against Man City.
We saw a mixed bag of performances. Too many attacks broke down with Tino, who struggled again, Barnes was a frustrating watch and Murphy was hit and miss, mixing some wicked deliveries with some some weak play off the ball.
However, Thiaw was dominant in duels and classy on the ball, Miley delivered an influential performance at both ends in a mature display at right-back, Ramsey grew into it with signs of his athleticism, drive and quality between the lines, while Bruno constantly pushed us forward with countless clever passes into the final third.
It was also positive to see Wissa not only start his first game in a black and white shirt, but get on the scoresheet and come through 72 minutes. He had few touches and will still be a little rusty, yet it was immediately clear that he’ll give us that movement in behind, energy and fox-in-the-box ability to feed off crosses and cut-backs.
Tonali’s late cameo was also encouraging, as he showed plenty of energy and fight, while Alex Murphy did a decent job at left-back after replacing Livramento for the final 20 minutes.
It wasn’t a five-star display and defensive injuries are a growing concern, but we’re into the last four (for the third time in four seasons) and found a way to win once again at St James’ Park, making it eight wins and a draw in our last nine at home.
Next up, a Premier League clash with Chelsea in Saturday’s early kick-off at St James’ Park, handing us a chance to move three points behind our European rivals.
Newcastle XI: Ramsdale; Miley, Schär, Thiaw, Livramento; Willock, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Murphy, Wissa, Barnes.
Substitutes: Ruddy, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Elanga, Woltemade, A.Murphy, Shahar, Neave.
Fulham XI: Lecomte; Tete, Andersen, Jorge Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith-Rowe, Kevin; Jiménez.
Keep the faith. HWTL.
my observations
Good to see Wissa start but i’m hoping his leading the line is him being rusty as boy was he off side a lot.
A murphy should be trusted more by Howe and maybe should of started with Tino on the right not Miley (who did really well considering)
Speaking of Tino as much as i think he is world class he is made of glass would i take a big offer from Man city in the summer mmmmm……..
And finally the other Murphy his crossing is sublime but his first touch and tracking back were a bit suspect tonight.
In summary good to progress but this is far from turning the corner more question marks than answers for me but then again i’ve had a few shandys
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Last night was not us at our best, but was a big improvement from the weekend.
Schar being in the side makes a big difference imo. His passing ability from the back is a real weapon for us – our first goal being a prime example. But more than that he was fizzing the ball into central midfield regularly – forward passes from a defender rather than sideways or backwards 🤯.
We need to be scouting CBs who can play the ball like Schar does imo.
Murphy made a big difference but Wissa needs to be told to play 10 yds further forward and stop come looking for the ball.
I thought Miley put in a really mature performance. He was out of position but figured it out as the game progressed.
Our defensive issues are a real concern though & Tino didn’t look good.
Botman never seems fit, and Hall out again.
Trippier, Burn, Lascelles, Krafth, Schar – all the wrong end of their careers.
Where’s these young uns we are developing for the future? Ashby seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth!!. Alex Murphy & Shahar were on the bench last night – will he trust them??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Alex Murphy & Shahar were on the bench last night – will he trust them??.
No Sharpy he won’t mate
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Good to get the win, but I agree with Sharpy, we still need to be a lot better. I’d love to know where Ashby is. When will the youngsters get a shot. I know Alex Murphy came on but he needs to do that more regularly and start games if he’s going to have a first team future. Botman, I’d sell if an offer comes in. Another sicknote. If we get a big offer from City for Tino, I’d be tempted too. He’s a bit fragile too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Ashby is not good enough, proven when out on loan at Swansea and QPR he’ll do alright in the lower championship but that’s about it.
Agree about Alex the fact he can play LCB is a added bonus plus whenever he’s played he looks good just need Howe to trust him more.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)