Everton moved past their Jack Grealish disciplinary matter to claim a comfortable 3-1 win against Newcastle United, securing a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals where they will meet League Two club Fleetwood Town.
The Toffees were missing the England international after he was left out of the squad due to a club discipline violation, reportedly involving an unauthorized training absence. His absence hardly affected David Moyes’ team, who seized control with two first-half goals and added a third after the break.
Newcastle got a late consolation goal, but their night ended in disappointment as Everton celebrated a solid victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
James Garner and Hayden Hackney give Everton the lead
Newcastle started strongly, with Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar both testing Jordan Pickford and forcing the Everton goalkeeper into saves. However, the visitors gradually lost control as the hosts found their stride.
Everton broke through in the 34th minute when James Garner showed great awareness from just inside the box to put his team ahead. Just before that, captain James Tarkowski made a crucial tackle to stop William Osula from scoring at the other end.
The hosts scored again just before halftime, with Hayden Hackney netting for the first time since joining from Middlesbrough in a £16m summer move. The goal gave Moyes’ side a valuable advantage going into the break.
Thierno Barry confirms Newcastle’s loss
Everton kept pressing after halftime and finally sealed the result in the 69th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent in a precise cross that Thierno Barry finished calmly, scoring his seventh goal of the campaign.
Newcastle, who had shown some promising attacks early on, found it hard to bounce back after conceding the first goal. The 2025 Carabao Cup winners could not respond as Everton stayed in control.
Dan Burn scored a consolation with a header in the 89th minute, but the goal was followed by an unpleasant clash involving players from both teams. Tarkowski pushed Joelinton to the ground, and Everton goalkeeper Pickford also got involved in the scuffle.
The three players received yellow cards for their actions.
Everton get Fleetwood in Carabao Cup quarter-final
The win puts Everton into the last eight of a competition they have never won. The Merseyside club has also not claimed a major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1995.
Their next Carabao Cup match will be an away game against Fleetwood Town, who are 18th in League Two. Fleetwood pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the last 16 by knocking out Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday night.
Everton were supported by Prime Minister Andy Burnham during their win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but focus will soon shift back to league play.
Newcastle meet Everton again in the Premier League
Newcastle won’t wait long for a chance to reply to their cup exit. The two sides are set to face each other again on Monday, when Everton visit St James’ Park for a Premier League match starting at 20:00 GMT.
The Magpies have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and will be keen to deliver a better performance at home.
For Moyes and Everton, the convincing cup win gives them a quarter-final place and keeps alive their hopes of ending a long wait for a trophy.