Everton Beat Newcastle 3-1 to Reach Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals as Grealish Is Dropped

Everton reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday night. James Garner opened the scoring in the 34th minute, Hayden Hackney doubled the lead in the 45th minute and Thierno Barry added a third in the 69th minute. Dan Burn scored a late consolation for Newcastle in the 88th minute, but the result was already settled.

Three goals settle the tie

Garner put Everton ahead with a low shot into the far corner after a mistake in the Newcastle defence. The goal was his first since January, and it gave the home side control of the fourth round tie. Hackney made it 2-0 just before half-time, finishing a counter-attack from a cross by Barry. It was the first goal of Hackney's Everton career, and it sent the home side into the break with a clear lead. Barry, who had created the second goal, scored the third himself in the 69th minute. Burn gave Newcastle a late reply in the 88th minute, but Everton completed the win and took their place in the last eight.

Grealish dropped before kick-off

The match was played without Jack Grealish. Before kick-off, Everton announced that the winger was unavailable for selection because of a breach of club discipline. In a pre-match post, the club said: "Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined for a second successive game due to concussion protocols, while Jack Grealish is unavailable for selection due to a breach of Club discipline." The Press Association understands the breach relates to an unauthorised absence from training. Everton has not confirmed that reason in its own statement. Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie said: "My understanding is the reason he's not involved, and the reason he has been disciplined, is because he failed to show for a training session in the build-up to tonight's cup tie." Grealish, 31, is spending a second consecutive season on loan at Everton from Manchester City. He missed Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal because of illness, and he had started Everton's previous three Premier League matches, against Ipswich, Hull City and Chelsea. Branthwaite stayed out for a second game in a row under concussion protocols.

A December trip to Fleetwood

Everton will travel to Fleetwood Town in the quarter-finals in December. Fleetwood, who play in League Two, beat Arsenal earlier in the week to reach the last eight. Newcastle won this competition in 2025, so their defence of the trophy ended at the fourth round stage. Everton have never won the League Cup, and the club is targeting its first trophy since the 1995 FA Cup.