Everton successfully reached the League Cup quarterfinals following a convincing 3-1 victory against Newcastle United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday. The Merseyside club now prepares for a last-eight encounter against fourth-tier side Fleetwood Town. James Garner and Hayden Hackney established a commanding lead with first-half goals, and Thierno Barry added a third after the break. Dan Burn managed a late goal for the visitors, but it was not enough to spark a comeback.
The match took place in front of a notable spectator, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a long-time Everton supporter, watched from the stands. The home side secured the win despite the absence of midfielder Jack Grealish, who was excluded from the team following an internal breach of club discipline.
Everton’s next opponents, Fleetwood Town, reached this stage after delivering a shock result against Premier League champions Arsenal on Tuesday. Arsenal exited the competition 5-3 on penalties after their fourth-round tie ended in a 1-1 deadlock. Elsewhere in the draw, Crystal Palace are set to host Sunderland, while Bournemouth travel to face Liverpool, who recently edged out Chelsea 6-5 in a Wednesday penalty shootout. Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out 5-3 on penalties in an incredible fourth-round upset after the tie finished 1-1 in normal time.
Defending champions Manchester City remain in the hunt to retain their title after surviving a difficult clash against Brighton. City twice recovered from a deficit to secure a 2-2 draw before eventually winning 4-3 on penalties, setting up a quarterfinal match against third-tier Bradford City. All quarterfinal ties are currently scheduled to be played during the week starting December 14. Then triumph 4-3 in the shootout, they avoided the fate that befell Arsenal and stayed on course to retain their title by twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Brighton.
