Newcastle United left ‘devastated’ as Jack Wilshere and Arsenal land harsh blow

Newcastle United under-18s lead coach Graeme Carrick is taking the positives from the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal - although admits his side are “devastated’ to exit the FA Youth Cup.

The Young Magpies exited the competition at the fourth round stage after losing 3-2 to Jack Wilshere’s Gunners in front of 983 fans at St James’ Park.

Substitute Osman Kamara scored an 87th-minute winner for the visitors.

“The lads are devastated, they gave everything tonight,” Carrick, who joined Newcastle in August, said. “I’m really proud of the lads individually and as a team. We stuck together.

“It was a tough game, we knew it would be but these are the type of experiences we want for the lads.

“We scored some good goals, I thought we were a threat all night but to lose late, the lads are devastated but at the same time, I’m really proud.

“This was a different test by playing at the ground against this type of opposition with the crowd but I’m really proud of the way they took to it and the attitude and character they showed.”

Carrick’s boys twice came from behind. Seb Ferdinand opened the scoring for Arsenal on 14 minutes but it didn’t take United long to respond through Lewis Miley.

Amario Cozier-Duberry put the visitors back in front before the break before Magpies captain Ben Parkinson levelled proceedings up near the hour-mark.

The game looked set for extra time and penalties but Kamara had other ideas as he found a late winner in front of the Leazes End.

Carrick was pleased with his side’s character to twice pull themselves back into the tie.

“It was the same at Charlton in the previous round where we had to come from behind,” he said. “And during the season, it’s happened a few times so we’ve made a habit of that.

“The lads have shown character to overcome setbacks and respond positively. It is a really pleasing trait, especially tonight given the size of the game.”

Miley was a real standout performer for Newcastle, and that’ll come as no surprise to many given his sporadic senior involvement this campaign.

The England under-17s international travelled with Eddie Howe’s first-team to Saudi Arabia last month and featured in the 5-0 win over Al-Hilal. The 16-year-old was also a substitute in United’s friendly win over La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

“We scored good quality goals and had some other good chances as well,” said Carrick. “For Lewis’ first goal, it was really good individual skill. The run will grab people’s attention but it was actually his movement, not just to come to feet but to run behind.

“The second goal was a really good move. It was good combination play and forward-moving by Scott (Bailey) and a really high-quality finish by Ben.”