By Basant El-Faramawy
Everton advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the match was overshadowed by the absence of Jack Grealish. The on-loan winger was omitted from the squad after missing a training session, a breach of club discipline that manager David Moyes described as a "club decision" he fully supports.
Discipline breach costs Grealish
Grealish's exclusion continues a disruptive pattern; he was suspended for Everton's FA Cup exit to Sunderland in January after a red card. This time the ban came from the club rather than the Football Association. Moyes declined to elaborate on the specifics, saying only: "I don't want to give any details." The decision underscores the standards Moyes is imposing as Everton chase a first trophy in 32 years.
Career at a crossroads
The 29-year-old's career appears at a turning point. Since Manchester City's 2023 Champions League triumph, Grealish has made just three league starts in nine months and scored eight goals in all competitions over three-and-a-half years. His injury record and lifestyle have drawn scrutiny, and with his loan expiring this season, an extended stay at Everton looks increasingly uncertain.
Everton thrive without star
In Grealish's absence, a makeshift side delivered a cohesive performance. James Garner opened the scoring with a sliding finish, summer signing Hayden Hackney volleyed in his first Everton goal after referee Farai Hallam played a decisive advantage, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall set up Thierno Barry for the third. The display highlighted the depth and collective ethos Moyes has cultivated.
Moyes emphasizes squad values
"The one thing about Everton is that they have got real good values," Moyes said. "All the players stand behind it and accept the values, on the pitch and off the pitch." Captain James Tarkowski produced a crucial block, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford drew loud acclaim from the home crowd. Everton will face League Two side Fleetwood in the quarter-finals, before a Premier League rematch at St James' Park on Monday where Grealish's involvement remains in doubt.
