Everton put their Jack Grealish disciplinary issue behind them to secure a comfortable 3-1 victory over Newcastle United and book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face League Two side Fleetwood Town.
The Toffees were without the England international after he was made unavailable for selection following a breach of club discipline, understood to involve an unauthorised absence from training. His absence did little to disrupt David Moyes' side, who took control with two goals before the interval and added a third in the second half.
Newcastle managed a late consolation, but their evening ended in frustration as Everton celebrated a convincing win at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
James Garner and Hayden Hackney put Everton ahead
Newcastle began brightly, with Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar both testing Jordan Pickford and forcing the Everton goalkeeper into action. However, the visitors gradually lost their grip on the contest as the hosts found their rhythm.
Everton's breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when James Garner demonstrated excellent vision from just inside the penalty area to give his side the lead. Moments earlier, captain James Tarkowski had made a superb challenge to prevent William Osula from scoring at the opposite end.
The hosts struck again shortly before half-time, with Hayden Hackney finding the net for the first time since arriving from Middlesbrough in a £16m summer transfer. The goal gave Moyes' men a valuable cushion heading into the break.
Thierno Barry seals Newcastle defeat
Everton continued to threaten after the interval and eventually put the result beyond doubt in the 69th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a neat cross that Thierno Barry converted with a composed finish, registering his seventh goal of the season.
Newcastle, who had started the match with some promising attacking moments, struggled to recover after conceding the opening goal. The 2025 Carabao Cup winners were unable to find a response as Everton maintained control.
Dan Burn headed home a consolation in the 89th minute, but the goal was followed by an ugly confrontation involving players from both sides. Tarkowski shoved Joelinton to the ground, while Everton goalkeeper Pickford also became involved in the aftermath.
The three players were subsequently shown yellow cards for their reactions.
Everton handed Fleetwood Carabao Cup quarter-final
The victory sends Everton into the last eight of a competition they have never won. The Merseyside club has also gone without a major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 1995.
Their next assignment in the Carabao Cup will be an away trip to Fleetwood Town, who sit 18th in League Two. Fleetwood produced one of the biggest surprises of the last 16 by eliminating Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday night.
Everton were cheered on by Prime Minister Andy Burnham during their victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the attention will soon turn back to domestic league action.
Newcastle face Everton again in the Premier League
Newcastle will not have to wait long for an opportunity to respond to their cup elimination. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Monday, when Everton travel to St James' Park for a Premier League fixture kicking off at 20:00 GMT.
The Magpies have won only two of their previous six matches across all competitions and will be eager to produce a different performance on home soil.
For Moyes and Everton, meanwhile, the convincing cup victory provides a place in the quarter-finals and keeps their hopes of ending a lengthy wait for silverware alive.