Eddie Howe heaps praise on young midfielder after thrashing defeat at the Etihad

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Newcastle United’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a tough pill to swallow, but manager Eddie Howe found a glimmer of hope in the performance of young midfielder Lewis Miley. Despite the heavy loss, the 18-year-old’s second-half display stood out as a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing afternoon for the Magpies.

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Newcastle, who haven’t won at the Etihad since 2014, entered the match level on points with City in the Premier League table. However, the gulf in class was evident as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated from the start. Omar Marmoush, City’s £59 million January signing, stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, effectively sealing the game before the break.

Eddie Howe heaps praise on young midfielder after thrashing defeat at the Etihad

In a bid to turn the tide, Howe introduced Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley at halftime. While the result was already beyond reach, Miley’s performance caught the eye. The teenager displayed composure, bravery, and technical quality, outshining many of his more experienced teammates.

“The big positive today is Lewis’ performance in that second half,” Howe said. “He showed not just bravery out of possession in terms of winning duels and covering the pitch, but in terms of taking the ball and showing composure and making the right decisions, which we didn't make enough of. He can be very proud of his performance, but some of us need to look at him because he led the way."

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Miley, who broke into Newcastle’s first team as a 17-year-old last season, has faced setbacks due to injuries. However, his recent performances suggest he is regaining his rhythm and confidence. Howe has high hopes for the youngster, describing him as an “outstanding young player” who will be a key figure for the club in the years to come.

"“Lewis is going to be an outstanding player for this club for many, many years. We need to help his recovery back into the first team, and he’s now getting himself into a position where he’s able to play at a really good level.”"
Eddie Howe

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