Published Sep 9, 2026, 7:15 AM GMT+1

Matthias Jaissle’s men were facing down the barrel of a penalty shootout, but Joe Willock’s strike nine minutes from time pushed the Magpies one step closer to reclaiming their title.

Such an outing has handed the manager another opportunity to see how he can call upon players to help make his first campaign at St James’ Park one to remember.

But who were the players that staked their claim for a regular starting role during the triumph on Tuesday evening?

Which Newcastle players caught the eye vs Millwall

Left-back Lewis Hall was hugely touted with a summer move to Manchester United, but such deal is now firmly in the rear view mirror - as seen with his display against Millwall.

The 22-year-old featured for the entirety of Tuesday’s victory, subsequently starring at both ends of the pitch - as seen by his underlying figures from the encounter.

The Englishman managed to complete 94% of the passes he attempted during the win, whilst also laying on the assist for Willock’s later winner in the capital.

Even without the ball, Hall managed to catch the eye, subsequently winning 100% of the ground duels he entered, whilst making five ball recoveries - the most of any Magpies player.

The youngster wasn’t the only player to catch the eye, with teammate Sven Botman offering a composed and impressive presence at the heart of the backline.

He featured for the entirety of the win last night, subsequently being a key component when playing out from the back as he completed 93% of his attempted passes.

However, without the ball is where the 26-year-old was most effective, as the Dutch international won the most aerial battles and clearances of any player in Jaissle’s squad.

The biggest loser from Newcastle's victory

Despite the impressive showings from the aforementioned talents, numerous players within the Newcastle starting eleven failed to take advantage of the chance handed their way.

Jaissle handed Yoane Wissa another chance to start from the off, even handing the striker the captain’s armband, but he was unable to make the desired impact in the final third.

The DR Congo international failed to direct any of his two shots on target, whilst losing over 50% of the duels he entered - often being pocketed by the physical Millwall backline.

However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver during your recent triumph, with winger Jacob Murphy unable to repay the faith shown in him by the manager.

The Englishman, who was strongly linked with Nottingham Forest this summer, remained at St James’ Park beyond the end of the window and started last night’s meeting.

Despite the German showing faith in the 31-year-old, the attacker was unable to deliver, with his stats showcasing how disappointing he was despite the Magpies securing victory.

Murphy, who featured for 66 minutes of the encounter, registered three efforts on the opposition goal, but was unable to test Filip Marshcall on any of the aforementioned occasions.

The Englishman was also unable to provide any clear-cut opportunities for those around him in the final third, as seen by his measly tally of just one chance created.

His end product was way below the standard expected of the experienced star, with the winger only completing one of the 10 crosses he made into the opposition’s area.

As a result, 90% of his efforts went astray, with full-back Hall managing to find a teammate with more of his attempts despite operating in a more defensive role.

Murphy’s lack of quality last night was further reflected in his wasteful nature in possession, as he gave possession back to the hosts on 14 separate occasions.

On last night’s evidence, it’s safe to say that the Newcastle hierarchy made the wrong call in rejecting Forest’s advances for the winger’s signature.

He looks a shadow of his former self in attacking areas, which has seen Anthony Elanga firmly pass him in Jaissle’s pecking order this campaign.

It’s crucial the manager recalls the Swede for the next clash in the Premier League, which should see Murphy return to his rightful place on the substitutes' bench.