Kyran Thompson continued his impressive start at Newcastle United by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Rotherham United, sending the under-21s into the EFL Trophy knockout stages for the first time since 2018.
The 17-year-old joined the Magpies' youth setup in the summer, swapping Arsenal for Newcastle and signing his first professional contract at the club in September. His immediate impact has made him a standout success story amid questions over the first team's summer recruitment.
Match-Winning Moment
Thompson finished off an incisive Newcastle breakaway after Alfie Seldon found Vakhtang Salia in space down the right-hand side. The Georgia under-21 international lifted a pass into his path before Thompson cleverly lifted the ball over onrushing Millers goalkeeper Ted Cann.
It was the fifth goal of the England under-18 international's season at under-21 level, with four of those coming against senior sides. He also scored in the EFL Trophy win over York City and bagged a brace in the National League Cup victory over Hartlepool United.
First Team Recognition
His talents have already caught the eye of Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, with Thompson named in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time in September's 2-1 win over Hull City.
Newcastle signed eight players aged 24 and under at first team level over the summer, but only three of them - Lukas Hornicek, Amar Dedic and Nico Gonzalez - have started consistently, although Sean Steur has impressed. Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure, who cost a combined £78million, are yet to make a Premier League start, while £51million forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo's impact has been minimal.
Under-21s Hold Firm
Under-21s lead coach Robbie Stockdale named a strong side at the New York Stadium that included several players who have been in and around first team level this season, including Henry Johnson, Miodrag Pivas, Dylan Charlton, Mason Miley, Matheos Ferreira, Vakhtang Salia and goalkeeper Roman Dowell.
Lining up in a 3-4-3 formation, the young Magpies held their shape well, remained disciplined and Dowell was alert in goal to make a few important saves in the first half. Rotherham piled on the pressure in the second half and even introduced Paul Mullin, of Welcome to Wrexham fame, from the bench in search of saving their EFL Trophy campaign.
But Newcastle held firm to seal a fifth win in a row in all competitions and another tie against an EFL side to look forward to in December.
