Howe praises Newcastle response to derby loss
Eddie Howe believes his Newcastle United players delivered the perfect response to their Tyne-Wear derby defeat by reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Thursday.
Just three days after losing to bitter rival Sunderland in the Premier League, the Magpies beat Fulham 2-1 thanks to Lewis Miley's late header to keep their title defence alive in dramatic fashion.
Newcastle had taken the lead early on through Yoane Wissa, on his first start for the club, before Sasa Lukic's 16th-minute header restored parity at St. James' Park.
However, with the game ticking into the second of six added minutes in the second half, Miley rose highest to glance Sandro Tonali's inviting corner into the net.
Newcastle reached the final four of the Carabao Cup for the third time in the last four seasons, and for the first time ever in consecutive campaigns, with a two-legged semi-final with Manchester City awaiting it.
"It was important to bounce back from Sunderland, to come back in a positive fashion," Howe said.
"We want to be competitive and win trophies – this 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."
But the day belonged to talented teenager Miley, who ended the game with team-high totals for duels won (10), aerial duels won and touches, while only Bruno Guimaraes played more passes in the final third than the 19 year-old.
"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.
"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."
Fulham, meanwhile, was eliminated at this stage of the Carabao Cup for the sixth time in its last seven quarter-finals ties in the competition.
The Cottagers did, however, have their chances, particularly in the first half when Kevin forced Aaron Ramsdale into action moments after Lukic had hauled them level.
Further opportunities fell to Emile Smith Rowe in the second half, with Kenny Tete's speculative strike from distance almost taking the game to penalties in the closing stages.
Despite defeat, Marco Silva was thrilled with his team's display, but he placed full importance on their next Premier League game, when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Craven Cottage.
"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."
