Everton secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United, despite the absence of Jack Grealish following a disciplinary issue involving the midfielder.
Grealish was dropped and fined after missing a training session without permission. The decision was made by manager David Moyes and chief executive Angus Kinnear.
The former Manchester City player’s absence came amid uncertainty over whether he would return for Monday’s Premier League meeting with Newcastle.
Moyes declined to discuss the details but said he supported the club’s decision, emphasising the importance of the standards expected from Everton players.
Moyes Praises Team Values and Players’ Response
The Everton manager said his squad had shown commitment to the club’s values both on and off the pitch.
He also acknowledged the limitations of his available players, describing the squad as small and lacking depth in certain positions.
Moyes said the players had responded well and highlighted the significance of the result for supporters, who have been waiting for a major trophy since Everton last won one in 1995.
The victory brought the club closer to ending that long wait, with Fleetwood Town standing between them and a potential place in the semi-finals.
Garner and Hackney Put Everton Two Goals Ahead
Newcastle had periods of territorial control during the opening half, but Everton took the lead in the 34th minute.
Tyrique George, who started in place of Grealish, won possession before the ball reached Hayden Hackney. The midfielder then set up James Garner, who finished into the far corner.
Everton doubled their advantage shortly before half-time through Hackney.
Referee Farai Hallam played advantage after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was brought down while moving towards goal. Thierno Barry collected the loose ball and supplied Hackney, who struck a volley into the net.
The goal gave Everton a two-goal cushion after Newcastle had earlier threatened through Harvey Barnes, whose effort was stopped by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Newcastle Make Three Changes but Everton Extend Their Lead
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle introduced Yoane Wissa, Joelinton and Anthony Elanga at half-time in an attempt to change the direction of the match.
However, Everton continued to defend their advantage, with Pickford making important saves and captain James Tarkowski contributing several defensive interventions.
The home side added a third goal in the 69th minute. Garner regained possession from Amar Dedic before Dewsbury-Hall set up Barry, who finished calmly to put Everton firmly in control.
Newcastle managed a late consolation when captain Dan Burn scored with a header in the 88th minute, but Everton held on to secure the 3-1 victory.
Jaissle Criticises Newcastle’s Lack of Maturity
The defeat prompted a strong response from Jaissle, who described his team’s performance in key moments as frustrating and criticised their decision-making.
He said Newcastle needed to show greater maturity and be more clinical, particularly when dealing with dangerous situations.
The manager also acknowledged that his young players needed to learn quickly, saying the team could not continue using their age as an excuse.
Newcastle will have an opportunity to respond when the sides meet again in the Premier League on Monday.
Everton Prepare for Fleetwood Town Quarter-Final
Everton’s next Carabao Cup assignment will be against Fleetwood Town, who reached the quarter-finals after defeating Arsenal earlier in the week.
A victory would take Moyes’s side into their first domestic cup semi-final since the 2015-16 season.
The club’s supporters turned out in large numbers for the Newcastle match, with 51,894 people attending, including approximately 8,000 travelling fans.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was also among those present, alongside his wife, Marie-France.
The potential final at Wembley on March 21 is now a date Everton supporters will be watching as the team continues its cup campaign.
Everton Team and Match Statistics
Everton started with Jordan Pickford in goal, behind a defence featuring Rohl, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Hayden Hackney and James Garner operated in midfield, with Tyrique George, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Dibling supporting Thierno Barry.
Garner scored in the 34th minute, Hackney added the second in the 45th minute and Barry made it 3-0 in the 69th minute.
Newcastle’s starting line-up included Hornicek, Dedic, Schär, Burn, Hall, Gonzalez, Ramsey, Murphy, Willock, Barnes and Osula.
Dan Burn scored Newcastle’s only goal in the 88th minute.
The attendance was 51,894, with Farai Hallam officiating.
