Coming into this weekend, many Newcastle United fans would have been quietly confident that a win was not only achievable but even likely. The confidence has been boosted thanks to the early season results.
Newcastle United had kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool and were very unlucky not to take all three points. The visitors were handed a last-gasp lifeline with a penalty deep into added time which they converted.
That result was a positive though after what had been a poor pre-season. And the Magpies followed it up with a wins over West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.
The good news is, Newcastle United remain undefeated even after this weekend. But unfortunately, it was only a draw they could manage against Bournemouth.
Newcastle United player slammed for display vs Bournemouth
According to Dan Emery of Football FanCast, Miley cannot have many complaints if he ends up getting dropped from the starting XI after this display:
Miley could not have much of a complaint if he gets dropped from the side because he did not offer enough in any phase of the game to suggest that he deserves to keep his place, as he was completely outclassed by Scott.
For many, Miley failed to get a grip on the game and make his presence felt. While Alex Scott was a standout performer in the middle of the park for the Cherries, the Newcastle United youngster struggled to match his usual standards in both phases of the game.
Then again, making any judgments would be far too reactionary. Just like all the praise might have been after recent positive displays against other teams.
The fact of the matter is that Miley is 20 years of age. He is going to have good days and bad ones as well. That is par for the course. It is important that Newcastle United maintain his pathway through both.
Newcastle cannot afford to react to just one bad performance
In the long run, days like this will help Miley more than do harm. He is now closing in on 100 appearances for the Magpies. So, the expectations are a lot higher.
He might no longer be able to get away with performances that he used to in the past. Now, it is up to Miley to ensure that he starts to deliver on a more consistent basis.
Also, let us just point out that it was not just Miley who had an off day against Bournemouth. There were plenty of others who were far from their best.
But at the end of the day, even then, Newcastle United did not lose. That deserves credit. This is a team that fought back from 2-0 down even on an off day and earned a valuable point from the game.
