Alan Shearer picks out 'superb' Newcastle United star - and it's not who you might think

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has picked out this Magpies’ star as his man of the match - and it’s not who many might think.

Eddie Howe’s men made it back-to-back wins as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at St James’ Park in the Premier League. Goals from skipper Bruno Guimaraes and defender Malick Thiaw saw United deservedly home, following on from closing out 2025 with victory at Burnley.

While many a watcher, including the NewcastleWorld lads, will have gone for NUFC catalyst and creator-in-chief Guimaraes for his dynamic, driving midfield show, Shearer went a little more local for his choice.

Speaking on his X account post-match, Shearer said: “Thoroughly deserved the win. Should have been by more!!! Lewis Miley was again superb, MOTM.”

It’s hard to argue with the Premier League’s record scorer isn’t it? And in fairness, Miley was outstanding. The young midfielder has been playing out of position in right back this festive period, but you’d never know it, as his cool and calm, composed and classy showings have been a real bright spark in the season.

Eddie Howe on Lewis Miley and his Newcastle United performances

Speaking post-match about Miley, Howe said: “Yeah, very, very good performance from him again. And as you say, on the ball, very good, very composed. You sort of come to expect that with him, although it's never easy to deliver. But it's a defensive performance that really, you know, I tip my hat to him. Because it's so difficult to play that position when you haven't played it through your career.

“Tactically, we asked something slightly different from him again today, and he sort of takes everything in his stride and does it really, really well.”

Eddie Howe on Newcastle United’s Crystal Palace win

Speaking to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe said: "It was a tough game, it always is against Palace. Oliver has done an amazing job. We had to be patient. It was bitty at times. I think the substitutions made a difference and helped us over the lines.

"I think they were two good moves for the goals that weren't. We needed that first goal to relax us. I think we got better and better in the game.

"It's a better position but we've got more work to do. We've got a massive month ahead. We need to build some momentum and confidence and today is a big step forward."

On Lewis Miley, he said: "He's been incredible since he came into the team. You wouldn't know it [isn't his natural position]. He's excelled in this position [at full-back]. He's doing a great job in the team."