Everton overcame the absence of Jack Grealish to beat Newcastle United 3-1 and book a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, where they will face League Two side Fleetwood Town.
The Toffees delivered an impressive performance at Hill Dickinson Stadium despite being without the England winger, 31, who was made unavailable for selection following a breach of club discipline understood to involve an unauthorised absence from training.
Everton took control with two first-half goals. James Garner opened the scoring in the 34th minute with an excellent finish from just inside the box.
Moments earlier, captain James Tarkowski had produced an outstanding challenge to deny Newcastle’s William Osula at the other end.
David Moyes’ men doubled their advantage shortly before half-time through Hayden Hackney, who scored his first goal for Everton since joining from Middlesbrough for £16m in the summer.
The hosts extended their lead in the 69th minute when Thierno Barry finished neatly from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross to register his seventh goal of the season.
Newcastle managed a late consolation through Dan Burn’s 89th-minute header, but the goal sparked a confrontation involving players from both sides.
Tarkowski shoved Joelinton to the ground during the ensuing fracas, with both players and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford receiving yellow cards for their reactions.
Newcastle had started brightly, with Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar forcing Pickford into saves, but the 2025 winners struggled after conceding the opening goal.
Everton, who have never won the League Cup and have not lifted a major trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1995, will now travel to Fleetwood Town, who are 18th in League Two.
Fleetwood produced one of the biggest shocks of the last 16 by eliminating Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday.
Newcastle, who have won just two of their last six matches in all competitions, will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they host Everton in the Premier League at St James’ Park on Monday at 20:00 GMT.