Alan Shearer did not hesitate to single out one Newcastle United player after their important 2–0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday. It was not a perfect performance and it certainly was not the most exciting game to watch, but Newcastle got the job done.
The victory was their second of the week and their first win of 2026, and it pushed them further up the table at a crucial point in the season.
Second-half goals from Bruno Guimarães and Malick Thiaw settled the contest and lifted Eddie Howe’s side to ninth place in the Premier League standings. With the gap to the Champions League places now much smaller, belief is quietly growing again around St James’ Park.
Another home match is coming up quickly, this time against Leeds United, and it is a game Newcastle will feel confident about winning if they maintain their current momentum.
Although the Magpies were not at their fluent best against Palace, they were solid, organised, and patient. That was enough to earn praise from club legend Alan Shearer, who was particularly impressed by one player’s performance.
For Shearer, the standout figure on the pitch was Lewis Miley, a teenager who continues to defy expectations every time he plays.
What made Miley’s display even more impressive was the context. Both Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier were back in the squad, giving Eddie Howe experienced options at right-back.
Despite that, the manager showed huge trust in Miley by keeping him in the starting lineup. That decision was fully justified, as the young defender delivered a mature and confident performance from the first minute to the last.
Miley was strong defensively, reading the game well and standing up to Palace’s wide threats with calmness and intelligence. Going forward, he offered energy and creativity, supporting attacks and using the ball with real quality.
One of the key moments of the match came when he kept the ball alive after a dangerous cross from Harvey Barnes. His quick thinking and sharp movement allowed Bruno Guimarães to finish the move and open the scoring.
After the game, Shearer made his feelings clear on social media. He described the win as fully deserved and suggested Newcastle could have scored more. He also named Miley as his man of the match, praising the teenager for another superb display. Coming from a figure as respected as Shearer, that kind of recognition carries real weight.
The numbers from the match only back up the praise. Miley’s performance stood out across several key areas. He completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch, showing his confidence and ability to beat opponents one-on-one.
He also completed the most passes in the game, highlighting his importance in Newcastle’s build-up play. Even more impressive was the fact that every pass he attempted found a teammate, giving him a perfect passing record.
In addition to his work on the ball, Miley was strong in his physical battles. He won the majority of his ground duels and also created a clear chance for his teammates. For a 19-year-old playing out of position at right-back, it was an outstanding all-round performance.
While many believe Miley’s long-term future is in central midfield, he continues to prove that he can perform at a high level wherever the team needs him.
His versatility, composure, and consistency have been a huge boost for Newcastle this season. If he continues in this form, there is no doubt he will remain a key figure for Eddie Howe as the campaign progresses.
