In a tightly contested third‑round Carabao Cup tie, Everton emerged victorious thanks to a decisive strike from substitute Charly Alcaraz, who netted the only goal of the match in the 80th minute. The win, which came just three minutes after Alcaraz entered the field, ensured the Toffees maintained an unbeaten start to the season and set up a forthcoming clash with Newcastle United in an all‑Premier League encounter scheduled for the week of October 26.
Alcaraz's winner marked only his second goal for Everton, the first having come more than a year earlier in the same competition. His powerful, curling finish from inside the penalty area left Wolves goalkeeper Joao Virginia with little chance of a save, sealing a 1‑0 home triumph for the hosts. Wolves arrived at Goodison Park with a heavily altered lineup, making nine changes following their league victory over Sheffield United the previous weekend. Their usual goal‑scoring threat, Raul Jimenez, who had found the net at Bramall Lane, started the match but was forced off midway through the first half after sustaining an injury.
Manager César Peixoto later confirmed that Jimenez would miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The Wolves side also featured debutant Joao Virginia, who displayed impressive reflexes early on.
In first‑half stoppage time, Virginia produced a spectacular close‑range save to deny a header from Thierno Barry, keeping the score level. Later, in the second half, his opposite number, England international Jordan Pickford, made a fine stop to thwart a shot from Adam Armstrong – Jimenez's replacement – which was the visitors' first attempt on target. Virginia continued to impress, denying an effort from Everton substitute Brennan Johnson, but he could not prevent Alcaraz's late winner.
The goal sparked celebrations not only among the Everton faithful but also among notable supporters such as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian finance minister Mark Carney, both of whom are known Everton fans. The victory keeps David Moyes' side in contention for their first major trophy since the 1995 FA Cup triumph. Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine praised the performance of 20‑year‑old midfielder Tyler Dibling, who was named man of the match.
Dibling, who has struggled to find consistency during his first season with the club, provided the assist for Alcaraz's decisive strike. "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. I said to him before the game, 'You've been waiting patiently – or impatiently – and you've now got your chance, and now you must take that opportunity.
Make sure the manager has a tough decision to make for the next game,' and he's done that. You saw a little moment of that acceleration he has got, and he doesn't show enough of those moments, and he needs to be doing more. I've spent a bit of time with Tyler and Tyrique (George) this pre‑season trying to get them to contribute more than previously, and there are certainly signs that is coming." Peixoto, reflecting on his decision to rotate heavily, expressed no regret about the nine alterations despite the defeat.
"I think we did a good game; we competed against a strong Premier League team. I think today a lot of young players did a great job. I'm happy with the job today but not with the result," he explained. The match also highlighted the tactical battle between the two managers.
Moyes opted for a balanced approach, allowing his midfield to control possession while relying on the pace of his wingers to stretch the Wolves defence. The decision to introduce Alcaraz proved decisive, as his fresh legs and attacking instinct added the cutting edge that had been missing in earlier phases of play.
For Wolves, the loss underscores the challenges of fielding a largely new XI in a cup competition while also dealing with injury setbacks. The early removal of Jimenez, a key aerial presence, forced Peixoto to reshuffle his attacking options, and the lack of cohesion among the rotated squad was evident at times. Nevertheless, the young players, including Virginia and the starting eleven, gained valuable experience against top‑flight opposition. Looking ahead, Everton will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the Newcastle tie, a match that promises to test the depth and resilience of Moyes' squad.
The Toffees will likely retain the core of the side that secured the Carabao Cup win, while also considering strategic tweaks based on the lessons learned from the Wolves encounter. Meanwhile, Wolves must regroup quickly, manage Jimenez's injury, and refocus on their league campaign.
Peixoto's willingness to give younger players significant minutes could pay dividends in the long term, even if it meant a short‑term setback in this cup round. Overall, the fixture delivered drama, a late winner, and a glimpse of emerging talent on both sides, encapsulating the excitement that the Carabao Cup can provide for clubs and supporters alike. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.