The Toffees overcame the absence of Jack Grealish, left out due to a breach of club discipline after an unauthorised absence from training, thanks to goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry.

On Tuesday Arsenal learned to their cost that Fleetwood cannot be overlooked but David Moyes’ side are now clear favourites to reach the last four of a competition they have never won as they target their first silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 1995.

Everton pounded on a defensive mistake to take the lead in the 34th minute, with Garner firing low in to the far corner for his first goal since January.

Hackney, last season’s Championship player of the year making only his third Everton start since joining from Middlesbrough in the summer, then opened his Toffees account just before half-time, left with a simple close-range finish as Everton hit Newcastle on the counter.

Barry applied the killer blow in the 69th minute, finding space inside the box to pick his spot from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s cross, and although Dan Burn headed in an 88th minute consolation goal, it was far too late as Newcastle’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy they lifted in 2025 were dashed.