Newcastle United returned to Premier League duty in sterling fashion.
Eddie Howe’s side put Chelsea to the sword on Saturday, romping to a 4-1 win at St James’ Park.
Having reclaimed the likes of Alexander Isak from injury, Newcastle looked in much better shape than in their rather dire loss to Bournemouth before the break.
It was the Swede who opened the scoring, played in by the excellent Lewis Miley.
Placing an inch-perfect pass into the striker’s path amid a crowd of players after disguising a shot, it was an excellent assist from the 17-year-old, making his second successive start for his boyhood club.
Newcastle vs Chelsea: Paul Merson wowed by Lewis Miley
Indeed, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson was wowed by the teenager.
Speaking to the broadcaster after Isak’s goal, Merson said at 15:14: “What a ball by Miley. You think he’s going to control it and smash it but he doesn’t.
“A lovely ball to Isak. Brilliant play by the young kid, brilliant finish from Isak.”
Lewis Miley: Living up to the hype
Hailed as a “baller” by Bruno Guimaraes for his performances during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, Miley more than lived up to the hype there.
It cannot be easy for such a young player to come into a team beset by injures – particularly against a side who recently pushed Manchester City all the way – but the level of composure he showed spoke of a player who is not getting carried away.
Rather than rushing into a shot, he waited to weight a perfect pass into the equally ice-cold Isak.
A truly brilliant moment for the lad and a promising glimpse into the future. Newcastle need players to step up during this injury crisis and it’s fair to say Miley is doing exactly that right now.
How exciting.
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