Newcastle United under-18s have been knocked out of the FA Youth Cup following a heartbreaking defeat to Arsenal. Substitute Osman Kamara struck late to secure a 3-2 victory for the Gunners in a thrilling contest under the lights at St James' Park on Tuesday night
The young Magpies had earned their place in the fourth round of the competition on the back of a comeback victory at Charlton Athletic. Lewis Miley and Ben Parkinson grabbed equalisers for the hosts this time around either side of the break, with Seb Ferdinand opening the scoring and Amario Cozier-Duberry again putting the visitors in front.
The fourth-round tie looked set for extra-time, only for Kamara to clinically dispatch a cutback and condemn the Magpies to defeat. Here are three things we learned from Newcastle U18s' loss to Arsenal.
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Miley magic
Miley's impressive form this season is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, and the 16-year-old continued his fine scoring form in black-and-white. The attacking midfielder netted twice in his last appearance for the under-21s, including the stoppage-time winner to secure a comeback victory at Crystal Palace last month.
Miley has been used on the left flank during his time so far with the second-string, but played off striker Ben Parkinson in a central role against Arsenal. This freed the teenager up to bear a greater influence on proceedings, but it was from the wing that he made an early impact.
It was a decent pass over his shoulder, but an effortless feint saw the exciting prospect evade Reull Walters and advance into the box. Miley was given plenty of time and space, and he made no mistake as he fired beyond Noah Cooper to level the contest.
Not long after, there was a sumptuous through ball to Parkinson where the captain should have put Newcastle ahead. It was by no means a flawless display from the teenager, but the moments of magic hinted at why Miley is already earning chances to impress Eddie Howe.
Wilshere's delight
It has been a long time Jack Wilshere last graced the turf at St James' Park as a player. However, his first appearance at the stadium as a manager proves the combative former midfielder has not lost any of his competitive edge.
The Arsenal academy boss was animated throughout the contest, questioning calls from referee James Bancroft on a regular basis. Wilshere along with his fellow staff could not hide their disbelief at seeing a first-half penalty appeal waved away for a perceived foul on captain Bradley Ibrahim.
There was even a moment of frustration with the officials when Lino Sousa was guilty of a bizarre foul throw-in. Wilshere was constantly cajoling his side with tactical instructions and encouragement, while sharing his reactions at each missed opportunity and misplaced pass.
It was a mixture of joy and relief for Arsenal as their pressure told with Kamara's 87th-minute strike. Wilshere could not hide his delight with what proved to be the winning goal, and raised his arms in celebration at the full-time whistle too.
Magpies rise to 'challenge'
Speaking ahead of the fourth-round tie, Graeme Carrick believed Arsenal would pose a 'fresh challenge' for the Magpies. Newcastle had won the previous meeting on Tyneside in September, but the U18s boss warned it would be a 'different game' this time around.
Arsenal controlled possession for much of the contest, and Aidan Harris made a number of stops throughout to keep the visitors at bay. However, the hosts battled hard and posed a constant threat through their pace on the counter.
It was through this avenue which Parkinson grabbed the second equaliser. Newcastle exploited Arsenal's high line, and the number nine showed his determination to beat his marker and poke the ball through Noah Cooper's legs at the Gallowgate End.
In the end, Arsenal's pressure proved telling in the closing stages as substitute Kamara was afforded far too much space to score the winner. However, Carrick can surely have no issues with his side's application on the night.
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