Newcastle United Survive Millwall Scare as Joe Willock Finally Ends Carabao Cup Frustration

It was a frustrating night for much of the contest for Matthias Jaissle's side, who controlled large portions of the game but struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances.

That looked set to cost Newcastle when Millwall substitute Tairyk Arconte struck the post in the 79th minute.

Just two minutes later, however, the visitors finally found their breakthrough.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo slipped a clever pass towards Lewis Hall, whose low delivery across the six-yard box found Willock. The midfielder improvised with a neat flicked finish beyond Filip Marschall to give Newcastle a 1-0 lead.

It proved enough to send the Magpies through and extend Jaissle's unbeaten start in charge.

Newcastle dominate but fail to find the finish

Newcastle started brightly, with Jacob Murphy firing over before Willock forced debutant goalkeeper Marschall into a save after 15 minutes.

Sven Botman then headed a Murphy corner narrowly over, while Fabian Schär saw a long-range effort take a heavy deflection before striking the side netting.

The visitors controlled possession and created the majority of the early pressure, but their finishing repeatedly let them down.

Millwall gradually grew into the match and looked increasingly dangerous from set pieces.

Lyndon Dykes had an effort gathered by Lukas Hornicek before Caleb Taylor headed narrowly wide from Camiel Neghli's free kick.

Newcastle reached half-time having dominated possession and attempts, but without finding the goal their performance appeared to warrant.

Millwall nearly punish Newcastle

Tino Livramento was introduced at half-time for Amar Dedić, with the latter apparently suffering an injury.

Rather than Newcastle immediately reasserting their authority, Millwall began the second half with greater purpose.

Jenson Metcalfe drove narrowly over from distance and Jake Cooper headed another set-piece opportunity wide.

Newcastle eventually registered another effort on target when Harvey Barnes tested Marschall after 65 minutes, although the goalkeeper comfortably dealt with it.

Jaissle responded by sending on Anthony Elanga and Fernandez-Pardo as he looked for the attacking spark that had been missing.

But the breakthrough still refused to come.

Then came the moment that could have changed everything.

Arconte escaped Livramento in the 79th minute and fired against the near post. Newcastle were fortunate to see the rebound stay out.

Two minutes later, they had the lead.

Willock finally provides the answer

Fernandez-Pardo's pass opened the space for Hall, whose low ball across the face of goal presented Willock with the opportunity Newcastle had been searching for.

The midfielder produced an improvised flicked finish that flew beyond Marschall.

It was Willock's second goal of the season and moved him level for second place in Newcastle's scoring charts across all competitions.

Barnes remains top with three goals.

More importantly, Willock's finish ensured Newcastle did not have to endure extra-time and sent the Magpies safely into the fourth round.

Jaissle praises Newcastle's patience

The result was another positive step for Jaissle, even if the performance was far from spectacular.

Newcastle have now extended their unbeaten beginning under their new head coach, while another clean sheet provided further encouragement.

Jaissle was pleased with the way his players handled the physical demands of a difficult cup tie.

“We’re really happy. Job done,” Jaissle said.

“It’s never going to be easy here at Millwall in a cup match.”

The Newcastle boss also felt his side had responded positively after the first half of their previous game against Bournemouth.

“We matched the physical challenge quite well and made a step in the right direction compared to the first half against Bournemouth.”

That patience ultimately proved decisive.

Newcastle turn attention to Leeds

Newcastle can now put the Carabao Cup to one side as their attention switches back to Premier League action.

The Magpies are preparing for Monday's meeting with Leeds, with Jaissle's unbeaten opening run providing plenty of encouragement.

There is still plenty for the German coach to improve, particularly in terms of Newcastle's attacking efficiency.

But the important details are increasingly falling into place: another clean sheet, another victory and another step forward under Jaissle.

At The Den, Newcastle made hard work of it.

Willock made sure they got the job done.