Everton clinched a narrow 1-0 triumph at Goodison Park in the third round of the Carabao Cup thanks to a decisive strike from substitute Charly Alcaraz. The goal, which arrived in the 80th minute, came just three minutes after Alcaraz entered the match and ensured the Toffees continued their unbeaten start to the campaign. The win sets up a purely Premier League encounter with Newcastle United in the week beginning 26 October. Alcaraz’s winner was only his second goal for Everton, the first having come more than a year earlier in the same competition.
His curling, powerful effort from inside the box left Wolves goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with little chance, cementing Everton’s status as deserving winners over a Wolves side that had already made nine alterations to the lineup that secured a league victory at Sheffield United the previous weekend. Wolves entered the match with several changes, including a start for their Bramall Lane hero Raul Jimenez.
Unfortunately for the visitors, Jimenez suffered an injury midway through the first half and was forced to leave the pitch. Wolves manager César Peixoto later confirmed that the striker will miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The game featured several notable moments beyond the decisive goal.
Wolves’ new signing Joao Virginia, playing against his former club, produced a spectacular close‑range save to deny Thierno Barry’s header in first‑half stoppage time. Later, in the second half, Pickford produced a fine stop to keep Jimenez’s replacement, Adam Armstrong, at bay on the visitors’ first shot on target. Virginia also thwarted a late attempt from Everton substitute Brennan Johnson, but could not prevent Alcaraz’s late curling finish. The goal brought joy not only to the Everton faithful but also to two high‑profile supporters watching from the stands: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Canadian counterpart, former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, both of whom are known Everton fans.
Their presence underscored the growing excitement around David Moyes’ side as they chase their first major trophy since the 1995 FA Cup triumph. Everton’s assistant manager Alan Irvine used the occasion to highlight the progress of 20‑year‑old midfielder Tyler Dibling. After a challenging debut season, Dibling was named man of the match for his contribution, which included the assist that set up Alcaraz’s winner. Irvine praised the youngster’s growing confidence, noting that Dibling appears to have settled into the club’s environment following a difficult pre‑season.
"Since he returned for pre‑season, he looks like he belongs here; he looks more comfortable," Irvine said. "He is a very quiet lad, and it can sometimes take young lads time to settle in, especially at a club like this with the expectation so that was probably difficult for him last year." Irvine added that Dibling’s patience paid off, recalling his words to the player before kickoff: "You've been waiting patiently – or impatiently – and you now have your chance.
Make sure the manager has a tough decision to make for the next game," he explained. The young midfielder delivered, providing the crucial pass that unlocked the Wolves defence and set Alcaraz up for the winner. Irvine also mentioned the broader development work he has been doing with Dibling and fellow youngster Tyrique George throughout the pre‑season, aiming to increase their contributions on the pitch. "I've spent a bit of time with Tyler and Tyrique this pre‑season trying to get them to contribute more than previously, and there are certainly signs that is coming," he concluded.
On the Wolves side, Peixoto defended his decision to rotate heavily, stating that the team performed admirably against a strong Premier League opponent. "I think we did a good game; we competed against a strong Premier League team," he said. "I think today a lot of young players did a great job. I'm happy with the job today but not with the result." The match also featured a reminder for viewers to use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player, indicating technical considerations for fans following the game online.
Looking ahead, Everton will travel to face Newcastle United in a purely top‑flight clash, while Wolves must regroup after the injury setback to Jimenez and the disappointment of a loss despite extensive squad changes. Both teams will be keen to bounce back as the Carabao Cup progresses, offering further opportunities for emerging talents like Dibling, Virginia and others to make their mark. For fans eager to engage beyond the match, there is a promotion to play the Super 6 game for a chance to win £1 million, with entry available at no cost.
This added incentive reflects the tournament’s blend of competitive football and fan interaction, keeping supporters invested throughout the cup run.