Merseyside | Everton fans dreaming of ending trophy drought

Everton 3 - 1 Newcastle

Everton overcame the absence of Jack Grealish to beat Newcastle United and secure a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie away to League Two side Fleetwood Town.

Author | Sarah W

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

Collage of images

Grealish was unavailable for selection because of a breach of club discipline, understood to relate to an unauthorised absence from training.

The Toffees, however, comfortably progressed without their Manchester City loanee, scoring twice in the first half to put themselves in control.

Analysis of what happened

James Garner showed excellent vision from just inside the box to give Everton the lead in the 34th minute.

Moments earlier, captain James Tarkowski had produced an outstanding challenge to deny William Osula at the other end.

With Prime Minister Andy Burnham watching from the stands at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton doubled their advantage shortly before half-time through Hayden Hackney, who scored his first goal for the club since joining from Middlesbrough for £16m in the summer.

David Moyes' side added a third in the 69th minute when Thierno Barry scored his seventh goal of the season, finishing neatly from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's cross.

Newcastle managed a late consolation through Dan Burn's 89th-minute header, which sparked a confrontation. Tarkowski shoved Joelinton to the ground during the ensuing melee, with both players and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford booked for their reactions.

Newcastle had started brightly, with Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar forcing saves from Pickford, but the 2025 winners struggled after falling behind.

Everton have never won the League Cup and have not lifted a major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1995. They will now travel to Fleetwood, who sit 18th in League Two but produced the shock of the last 16 by beating Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday.

The last time Everton won a trophy

Newcastle, who have won just two of their past six matches in all competitions, will have the chance to respond quickly when they host Everton in the Premier League at St James' Park on Monday.

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