Everton secured a comfortable 3‑1 victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup last‑minute quarter‑final, setting up a trip to Fleetwood Town. The win denied the hosts a chance to claim a fifth consecutive spot in the top eight of the Premier League and highlighted the impact of manager David Moyes’ tactical adjustments, even in the absence of star player Jack Grealish.
The match, played in front of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, began with Newcastle dominating the first twenty minutes and launching a series of attacks that tested Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. A well‑timed clearance from Pickford deep in his own half triggered the first goal for the visitors, but the ball was quickly intercepted by Everton’s right‑back, who launched a long throw that found Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall. Hall’s run was stopped by a tackle from Ramsey, and the ball rebounded to Thierno Barry, who finished past the Newcastle defence to give the hosts a 1‑0 lead.
Moyes’ side responded with a more disciplined approach. A combination of midfielders James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry proved lethal. Hackney’s quick pass to Garner created space for the latter to slot a first‑time goal into the far corner, leveling the score at 1‑1. Two minutes later, Hackney’s second goal, a volley from close range, sealed the win and sent the crowd into a frenzy. The goal came after a series of quick passes that exploited the gaps in Newcastle’s defence, with Dewsbury‑Hall and Barry providing the final touches.
The absence of Jack Grealish, who was left out of the squad for disciplinary reasons after missing training without permission, was a significant talking point. Everton’s manager made it clear that no player is above the club, and the decision was seen as a message to the squad. Grealish, who had struggled to find form during his loan spell, was expected to bring creativity to the midfield, but the team managed to compensate with the contributions of Hackney, Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, who were included in the matchday squad.
Newcastle’s attempts to regain momentum were thwarted by Everton’s resilient defence and Pickford’s sharp saves, including a crucial stop of a long‑range effort from Fabian Schär. Despite a late header from Joe Willock that brought the score to 2‑1, the visitors could not convert their chances, and the game ended with Everton’s third goal sealing a comfortable win.
With the quarter‑final set for the week of 14 December, Everton will face Fleetwood Town, while Newcastle will look to regroup and focus on their league campaign. The victory not only boosts Everton’s confidence heading into the later stages of the competition but also sends a clear message about the club’s commitment to discipline and collective effort.