Everton reach Carabao Cup quarter-finals after dropping Grealish for disciplinary breach

Everton reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals by beating Newcastle 3-1, with the match overshadowed by Jack Grealish’s omission after a breach of club discipline, according to The Guardian, Sky Sports, The Independent and BBC Sport. Everton said Grealish had been dropped for disciplinary reasons. The Guardian reported that the England winger was understood to have missed Monday training without permission, although he later returned to training.

Despite the importance of the fourth-round tie and Everton’s limited options, Moyes left the 31-year-old out. The decision was described by Moyes as “a club decision”. The Guardian reported that it was made by the manager and chief executive Angus Kinnear.

Grealish’s absence became a major focus before kick-off, but Everton ultimately produced a performance that meant his omission did not affect the result. Newcastle had the stronger attacking statistics, registering 28 shots to Everton’s 11, although only nine of those attempts were on target. The visitors also controlled spells of the opening period.

Jordan Pickford saved an early Harvey Barnes header, while Barnes later supplied Jacob Ramsey, whose effort was blocked by Vitalii Mykolenko. Everton gradually improved after abandoning ineffective long balls towards Thierno Barry, who was being marked by Dan Burn. The opening goal came after a long Pickford clearance.

Tyrique George pressured Amar Dedic into losing possession, and Hayden Hackney squared the ball for James Garner to place a finish into the far corner. It was Garner’s first goal of the season. Pickford then helped create the second.

He launched a quick throw towards Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who escaped Burn and ran forward. Newcastle appeared to pause after Ramsey tripped him, but referee Farai Hallam played advantage. Barry crossed, and Hackney volleyed home from close range for his first Everton goal.

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle responded with three half-time substitutions. The visitors continued to create opportunities after the interval, with chances for Yoane Wissa, Lewis Hall, Anthony Elanga and Ramsey. Pickford made several saves, while Wissa put one promising effort wide.

Newcastle’s failure to convert pressure left them vulnerable. Everton made the game safe when Garner intercepted a pass from Dedic and released Dewsbury-Hall behind the Newcastle defence. His pass across the area allowed Barry to control and finish beyond Lukas Hornicek.

Dan Burn headed a late goal from an Elanga cross, but Newcastle could not mount a recovery. Jaissle called Newcastle’s performance and defeat “shocking” and described the team as “naive”, according to The Guardian. Everton’s reward is a quarter-final away to Fleetwood Town in the week commencing 14 December.

The club is seeking its first Carabao Cup title.