Everton advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United, a result that manager David Moyes said will build positivity among the club's supporters. The Blues will now face League Two side Fleetwood Town in the last eight, with a first semi-final appearance since Roberto Martinez's final season in 2015/16 within reach.
A big moment for the supporters
Moyes spoke of the significance of reaching the quarter-finals, noting the reaction of the fans. "The positivity we can build with the supporters. You could see what it meant for them, for us to get to quarter-final of the cup," he said. "You know, it's a big moment for them. I don't know when we last were in that situation (2023/24 under Sean Dyche)."
The manager stressed that the players must maintain their focus, referencing the club's recent challenges. "But obviously the players need to keep at it. We know we've said we're not accepting any excuses from anything whether it was the ownership or transfer window," Moyes added. "I don't want the players to look for any excuses at all. So, I think they're doing a great job, I really do."
Dewsbury-Hall's key role
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played an important part in Everton's second and third goals, and Moyes believes the £25million signing from Chelsea in August 2025 is always a key man for the side. "There's signs that he's really getting back to where he is. I actually thought the third goal was a great goal with the pass from Jimmy, the run from Kiernan and then obviously Thierno's composed finish was very good as well," he said.
"So, it was a good third goal for us. But Kiernan has been up and down a little bit, but in the main, he's always above 50%, always doing well for us, and always a threat. His goals last year were hugely important to his, so we hope that he can continue to add a few more goals as well."
Hackney's first Everton goal
Hayden Hackney scored his first goal for Everton following his £16.5million transfer from Middlesbrough in July. Moyes offered his assessment of the 24-year-old's performance. "I thought there were bits of his game that were very good. Getting a goal was great," he said.
"There were other bits I didn't think was where it was, but I see this as a bit of bringing in Championship players and getting them used to the Premier League. A couple times you get caught in the ball. But I really enjoyed bits. He gave us a bit of an attacking play into the box, and obviously getting the goal was really good and there was a really good assist from Thierno Barry as well, to be fair."
Everton will face Newcastle again on Monday, a match Moyes described as a tough test, while the cup tie against Fleetwood Town offers the club a chance to end their long wait for a semi-final appearance.
