Local hero sends Mags into the semis! - Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

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.