Newcastle United were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the fourth round stage on Thursday evening after a 3-1 defeat to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry secured a comfortable win for David Moyes' side, who booked a quarter-final tie against League Two outfit Fleetwood Town. Dan Burn scored a late consolation goal for Newcastle, heading home from Joe Willock's cross.
The defeat followed Sunday's 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, with the positive momentum quickly lost on Merseyside. Newcastle return to Premier League action on Monday when they face Everton again at St James' Park, where head coach Matthias Jaissle will look for a positive response to the defeat.
Opportunity missed
The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw on Wednesday evening offered the winners of the Everton-Newcastle tie an away trip to face League Two side Fleetwood Town, presenting both teams with a chance to reach the semi-finals of a competition Newcastle have recent history in.
Everton seized that opportunity, while Newcastle were wasteful in front of goal and charitable in defence. United will reflect on the missed opportunity before turning their attention to the FA Cup in January.
Transfer targets haunt Newcastle
Newcastle's recruitment team have monitored both Garner and Hackney over the last 12 months, and both players scored for Everton against United. Amar Dedic's error allowed Garner to whip the opening goal past Lukas Hornicek, while Hackney doubled the lead from Barry's cross.
Newcastle were keen on Garner before he signed a new contract at Everton, while Hackney had the pick of a number of Premier League clubs when leaving Middlesbrough in the summer.
Stats and Ramsey return
Newcastle had 26 shots on goal and created many chances, particularly in the first half, but took none of them. Everton had 15 shots fewer and only five on target, yet scored from three, highlighting the ruthlessness Newcastle are missing this season.
Jacob Ramsey made his first start in midfield since the third round win over Millwall after recovering from injury. Jaissle told Sky Sports: "He is able to start and if he is making the 90 minutes, we will need to see but that is normal. He did an unbelievable rehab, really showed professionalism and now we count on him today." Ramsey was one of three players hooked at half-time as Jaissle looked to get back into the game.
