Lewis Miley was one of the few positives to have emerged from Newcastle United’s Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Miley replaced Joelinton in the second half of Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Leverkusen and duly impressed.
Indeed, the Newcastle United academy graduate became the club’s youngest goalscorer in Champions League history by connecting with a fine cross from Anthony Gordon.
Who was your MOTM vs Bayer Leverkusen?
Gordon was another standout for Newcastle in Germany, having scored the penalty which dragged Eddie Howe’s side back into the game after falling behind to a Bruno Guimaraes own goal.
Once again, Eddie Howe‘s side threw a lead away and while a draw is hardly a disaster, the manner of the late concession is a genuine concern given all that has happened this season.
Still, Miley’s performance was a positive and he’s since sent a message ahead of Sunday’s huge derby at Sunderland.
Lewis Miley looking forward to Sunderland vs Newcastle United after scoring vs Bayer Leverkusen
It’s difficult to know exactly what to make of Newcastle’s draw with Leverkusen.
Clearly, it’s not a disaster by any means, but there’s obviously an element of disappointment.
If there was one major positive to take, it was Miley’s outing along with Gordon’s.
Naturally, Miley celebrated an historic night on social media platform Instagram and looked ahead to Sunday’s trip to Sunderland in the process.
He captioned a post: “Buzzing to score my first Champions League goal. See you Sunday.”
At the age of 19 years 7 months and 9 days, Lewis Miley becomes Newcastle’s youngest Champions League scorer ever! But who had the record before him?
What Eddie Howe said about Lewis Miley after scoring against Bayer Leverkusen
Howe is a huge fan of Miley, although the 19-year-old is obviously still in development.
The Newcastle United manager is rarely one to get too excited and put too much pressure on one player, but even he was full of praise when speaking in his post-match press conference.
“He’s doing really well and I think that’s all you can ask for when they enter the pitch,” he said of Miley.
“I thought he did that in his time on the pitch tonight. He scored a great goal, and I’m really disappointed for him that it wasn’t the match-defining moment.
“He’s growing in his stature, and I mean aerially as well as physically. He’s 6ft 4, he should contribute aerially with the tools that he has.
“But that was a great header and you’re seeing his presence on the pitch, I think. He’s imposing himself more and he’s a very, very good player.”
Miley is pushing to start for Newcastle against Sunderland and another big performance there would only further cement the teenager as a genuine first team option.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!