Everton Seizes Cup Victory Against Newcastle Amid Squad Changes
As Everton geared up for their fourth round EFL Cup clash against Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The winner was set to face League Two’s Fleetwood in the quarter-finals, while the club’s fanbase, yearning for success after 31 years without a trophy, looked ahead, some with trepidation.
In a surprising development just before the match, it was announced that Jack Grealish had been dropped from the squad due to an unauthorized absence from training. This news threatened to disrupt preparations for a competition viewed by many as Everton’s best chance for silverware.
However, the young talents of the club rose to meet the challenge, with 24-year-old Hayden Hackney leading the charge. The summer signing from Middlesbrough, purchased for £16.5 million, showcased his skills against a formidable Newcastle lineup, providing an assist for James Garner’s first goal before scoring the second himself with a close-range volley.
Hackney had to bide his time for playing opportunities early in his Everton career. After starting the season opener against Crystal Palace, he had only begun one other match before Thursday’s cup encounter. Known less for goal-scoring, he impressed in his ability to maintain possession and help build plays, a skill that earned him last season’s Championship Player of the Year title.
Everton manager David Moyes acknowledged the mixed nature of Hackney’s performance. “I thought there were bits of his game that were very good,” he remarked. “Getting a goal was great. There were other bits where I didn’t think it was where it was supposed to be. I really enjoyed bits. He gave us a bit of an attacking play, getting into the box, and obviously getting the goal was really good.”
Alongside Hackney, Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also delivered strong performances in Everton’s midfield. The current state of the squad, with a limited roster, means that the growth and contributions of younger players could be vital for the team’s success this season.
Since Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, the club has signed ten permanent players, seven of whom are 24 or younger. French Under-21 international Thierno Barry, who joined from Villarreal, has taken on an increasing role, starting every game this season. His seven goals so far put him just shy of last season’s total, despite significantly fewer matches played.
While Moyes has found himself compelled to field Barry due to limited options, he appears more inclined this season to rely on the club’s youth. The average age of Everton’s starting XI has decreased by nearly a year and a half this season. The exit of veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye has contributed to this shift, with younger players now accounting for a higher percentage of minutes played in the Premier League.
Moyes has utilized 22 players in the Premier League so far, equaling the total number he employed in the previous season. This season has already seen younger players accumulate more than 1,200 minutes of play, surpassing last year’s figure.
The 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong has made a significant impact, starting every Premier League match after a slow integration post-loan. Fellow 20-year-old Tyler Dibling, previously struggling post-transfer, helped Everton push forward against Newcastle on Thursday, while Tyrique George has established himself as a key player after transitioning from a loan spell.
After missing several games due to injury, Merlin Rohl returned to fill a crucial role at right-back, demonstrating the manager’s faith in younger talent.
As discussions about Grealish’s potential return to the squad for Monday’s rematch against Newcastle continue, Moyes remains tight-lipped about his team selection, emphasizing the importance of both experience and youth in his strategy. Despite the uncertainty, the younger players have already proven capable of securing a cup victory without Grealish’s presence. A repeat of this success in their next league match could further underscore their growing influence within the team.
