Lewis Miley’s stoppage-time header sent Newcastle United into the EFL Cup semi-finals, easing the pain of the recent Tyne-Wear derby defeat and keeping their trophy defence alive with a 2-1 win over Fulham
at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle also achieved back-to-back last-four appearances in the competition.
The quarter-final tie swung late when Miley met Sandro Tonali’s corner in the second of six added minutes, guiding the cross beyond the Fulham defence. That decisive moment arrived just three days after Newcastle’s loss to Sunderland, turning a difficult week into one that still offered a route to silverware.
Newcastle had earlier moved in front through Yoane Wissa, who scored on a first start for the club, before Sasa Lukic equalised with a 16th-minute header. The match then opened up, with both teams trading attacks and set-plays, yet it was Newcastle that found extra energy late on to take control.
The victory ensured Newcastle reached the EFL Cup semi-finals for the third time in four seasons, and for the first time in successive campaigns. A two-legged tie against Manchester City now awaits, offering another major test of squad depth, mentality, and Howe’s ability to manage high-pressure knockout fixtures.
Eddie Howe felt the display answered questions raised after the derby setback. "It was important to bounce back from Sunderland, to come back in a positive fashion," Howe said. "We want to be competitive and win trophiesthis one we had a great experience last year. We want to do that again, but it will be tough with the teams left in the competition. The will and drive to win was there. We gave everything even in difficult moments. The challenge is to grow and improve. "
The night highlighted Miley’s growing influence. The 19-year-old led Newcastle for total duels, aerial duels and touches, while also ranking second for passes played in the attacking third, underlining technical quality in possession and work rate without the ball during a tense knockout contest.
Great feeling. I thought I'd try to flick it on, and it luckily hit the back of the net, and I'm buzzing. It's an unreal feeling, Miley said of his goal. I grew up here, it couldn't be a better feeling, and hopefully we progress to the final. We won it last season, and hopefully we can do that again this year. The last result wasn't good for us, but getting that win tonight was good for us.
Magnificent tonight, @LewisMiley1pic.twitter.com/dn1qCQ24tpNewcastle United (@NUFC) December 17, 2025
Fulham’s exit continued a difficult pattern in this competition. The Cottagers have now gone out at the quarter-final stage in six of their last seven EFL Cup ties at this round, despite periods in this match where they carried significant attacking threat and forced Newcastle into several pressured defensive phases.
Marco Silva’s side created notable chances. Kevin forced Aaron Ramsdale into an important first-half save soon after Lukic’s equaliser. After the interval, Emile Smith Rowe twice went close, while Kenny Tete’s long-range attempt late on almost took the tie to penalties, sliding past the post with Ramsdale beaten.
Silva focused on the effort shown and the schedule ahead. "Of course, we have to praise the attitude and work ethic of our players. It's always very difficult to lose a game, all the hard work we put in," Silva said. "Our first half was better than the second, the second was more difficult to set the game. The reaction and the work ethic from the players was there, it's tough to lose. It is a very tough place to come, the players were brave until the last minute of the game. Now we need to rest, the game on Monday is very important for us. "
Newcastle now look towards meeting Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-finals with renewed confidence after recovering from the Sunderland defeat, while Fulham turn attention back to the Premier League and a key home match against Nottingham Forest, carrying positives from a competitive display despite the late loss.
