Sports
Lewis Miley Can be Game-Changer for Eddie Howe at Newcastle
Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley needs to be given more opportunities under Eddie Howe, especially after his crucial goal against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
The Magpies conceded late on in Germany this week, with Alejandro Grimaldo finding a late equaliser for the Bundesliga side. Leverkusen had opened the scoring in the first half as Bruno Guimaraes struck into his own net, before Anthony Gordon equalised from the penalty spot in the second half.
Young midfielder Miley headed home to put his side into a 2-1 lead later in the game, before Grimaldo found the final goal of the match to secure the draw.
Lewis Miley Deserves More Chances Under Eddie Howe
Miley must be thinking what more he can do to become a guaranteed starter at St James’ Park. After providing a goal and assist against Everton back in November, Miley started against Tottenham Hotspur, but he was then dropped to the bench as they faced Burnley last week.
The young midfielder was once again benched for their Champions League clash, but he was brought on for Joelinton, who picked up an injury. Joelinton has come under scrutiny at times during the season, but Miley has still struggled to break the typical midfield mould of Joelinton, Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali.
Joelinton’s injury might give Miley another chance to impress at the weekend as they prepare to face Sunderland in the Premier League, but the 19-year-old may feel that it shouldn’t take an injury for him to be given an opportunity.
Just 4 Starts in the Premier League for Miley
Miley has played just 480 minutes in the Premier League this term, starting four games, despite Newcastle enduring some difficulties in England’s top flight. The Magpies are sitting in the bottom half of the table, but Miley is still rarely given an opportunity to impress.
On just his third start of the campaign, Miley, described as producing a ‘special’ display off the bench against Leverkusen, provided a goal and assist against Everton, showcasing what he can do as Newcastle picked up their first away win of the season.
The Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland this weekend could be the ideal opportunity for Howe to make a statement and play him from the start in the middle of the park. With Miley being a local lad who has been at the club since he was seven, he knows more about this fixture than any other player in the Newcastle squad, alongside Dan Burn.
