Eddie Howe will have been relieved. For the first time in a long while, the Newcastle United head coach did not have to field questions about the club’s struggles on the road following his side’s victory at Everton.
It was an evening when recalled midfielder Lewis Miley was among those who impressed at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Newcastle ended a seven-month wait for an away league win.
Miley’s inswinging corner set up Malick Thiaw’s breathless opener before the 19-year-old went on to double his side’s lead, becoming the second youngest Newcastle player to score and assist in a Premier League game.
It was a timely reminder of his qualities.
After reluctantly losing fellow academy graduate Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest 18 months ago, as a result of the club’s dire profit and sustainability situation (PSR) at the time, Howe is eager to hang on to the midfielder.
“There are definite parallels between Lewis and Elliot, although they have had different journeys,” Howe said. “I’m determined to keep him here.
“I’m determined for him to have the career at Newcastle that I think he can have, have the effect he can have long term and become synonymous with the football club for many years to come.”
Though Sandro Tonali is primed to come back into the team against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion Miley will drop out.
Miley may have only made five starts this season in all competitions, but Howe feels the teenager has had “good football” given he has played significantly more minutes than fellow midfielders Jacob Ramsey and Joe Willock.
“I’m trusting him in big games because he’s showing me in training that he deserves that trust and then, of course, there’s always a huge responsibility,” he added. “The biggest responsibility is on Lewis to keep performing.”
