Substitute Charly Alcaraz stepped onto the pitch and, just three minutes after entering the game, delivered a decisive strike in the 80th minute that handed Everton a 1-0 triumph over a heavily rotated Wolves side in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The win not only preserved Everton's unbeaten start to the campaign but also set up a forthcoming clash with Newcastle United in an all‑Premier League encounter scheduled for the week beginning 26 October. Alcaraz's winner marked only his second goal for the Toffees, his first having come more than a year earlier in the same competition.
The young attacker’s powerful, curling effort from inside the box left the Wolves goalkeeper with no chance, sealing the match for Everton and confirming their dominance over a Championship opponent that had made nine changes to the lineup that secured a league victory at Sheffield United the previous weekend. Wolves entered the match with a host of fresh faces, including striker Raul Jimenez, who had been the hero at Bramall Lane in the previous game. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Jimenez was forced off midway through the first half after sustaining an injury.
Manager César Peixoto later confirmed that the injury would rule Jimenez out of the upcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In goal for Wolves, debutant João Virgínia produced an impressive performance, notably pulling off a close‑range save to deny Thierno Barry’s header in first‑half stoppage time.
His composure was further tested when England international Jordan Pickford, Everton’s keeper, made a fine stop to block a shot from Jimenez’s replacement, Adam Armstrong, early in the second half. Armstrong’s effort was the visitors’ first shot on target of the evening.
Virgínia continued to keep Everton at bay, denying a late attempt from substitute Brennan Johnson. However, Alcaraz’s strike proved unstoppable; his shot curled sharply from inside the penalty area and found the back of the net, providing a moment of joy for on‑lookers such as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian finance minister Mark Carney, both of whom are known supporters of the Toffees.
The goal kept David Moyes’s side alive in the pursuit of 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. Irvine highlighted Dibling’s development over a challenging first season, noting that the youngster finally seemed to settle into the club’s demanding environment.
"Since the pre‑season he’s looked more comfortable and like he belongs here," Irvine said. "He’s a quiet lad, and it can take young players time to adjust, especially at a club with such high expectations.
I told him before the game that his patience would be rewarded and that he needed to seize the opportunity. He did exactly that, making a decisive contribution that forced the manager’s hand for the next match." Irvine also commented on Dibling’s physical attributes, saying, "You saw a flash of the acceleration he possesses, but he needs to show that more consistently.
I’ve been working with Tyler and Tyrique George during this pre‑season to encourage them to have a greater impact, and the signs are encouraging." On the Wolves side, Peixoto defended his decision to overhaul the squad, stating, "We played a good game and competed well against a strong Premier League team. Many of the young players performed admirably. I’m satisfied with the effort, even if the result wasn’t in our favour." The match also featured a promotional message encouraging fans to try the "Super 6" game for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available. Overall, the encounter showcased Everton’s resilience and depth, as well as Wolves’ willingness to give experience to emerging talent, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Carabao Cup competition.