Eddie Howe had to make a major change to his Newcastle United midfield against Nottingham Forest.
After Newcastle’s shambles against Manchester City, changes were expected. There was talk that Tino Livramento and Nick Pope could return to the starting XI, while there was also a midfield dilemma.
The debate was whether Joe Willock or Lewis Miley would start against Nottingham Forest. The reality was that they both started, with Sandro Tonali named on the bench for the first time in the Premier League since December.
It was a decision that paid off. Joe Willock played very well in the first half, while Lewis Miley was absolutely outstanding.
He built on his cameo at the Etihad, with Miley impressing against Nottingham Forest. He even got his second ever Premier League goal, drawing the Magpies level with a smart finish.
Joe Hart hails ‘impressive’ Newcastle United wonderkid Lewis Miley
Miley was excellent on Sunday, continuing to show incredible maturity for a player who is still just 18-years-old.
The teenager never hides from possession, constantly getting on the ball and trying to make things happen. His bravery for someone so young is commendable, and it was highlighted on Match Of The Day 2 by Joe Hart and Troy Deeney on Sunday night.
They showcased Miley’s performance during the post-match analysis, with the final clip showing him calmly keeping the ball in stoppage time when Newcastle United were suddenly holding on.
“That last clip sums up a top player for me,” Hart said.
“Someone who wants to get on the ball. He was absolutely everywhere today. Picked over Tonali, which is a big statement. Tonali comes on, Lewis Miley stays on.
“Towards the end of that game, when out of nowhere they were getting flustered, he was saying give me that ball, I’ll sort it, I’ll keep it calm. Really impressive performance.”
The real reason why Sandro Tonali did not start against Nottingham Forest
There is no hiding from Miley’s excellent performance. He played very well against Nottingham Forest. In truth, he was probably Newcastle’s best player after Lewis Hall.
But the notion that he was picked ahead of Sandro Tonali is slightly false.
That is because Tonali dropped to the bench due to a muscle concern, with Eddie Howe opting not to risk his midfield maestro.
“He [Tonali] had a hamstring problem in the week, he missed a couple of days training,” Howe told the Northern Echo.
“I didn’t really want to risk him today but with the second half as it was we felt we needed his legs in midfield.”
But even if Tonali had been fit to start, there is every chance that Miley could have played alongside him. It would have been between him and Joe Willock, and many fans would have preferred the Geordie youngster to get the nod.
That is the selection dilemma that Howe is now dealing with ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Liverpool. He must decide whether to opt for the athleticism of Willock or the composure of Miley – assuming that Tonali is fit enough to reclaim his place in the side.
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