Everton secured a narrow 1-0 triumph at Goodison Park in the third round of the Carabao Cup after substitute Charly Alcaraz struck a decisive goal in the closing stages. The win sets up a fresh Premier League showdown with Newcastle United in the week beginning October 26, keeping the Toffees unbeaten in competitive matches so far this season. Alcaraz entered the fray with just three minutes of play under his belt, having been introduced at the 77th minute.
Within a heartbeat, he unleashed a powerful curling effort from inside the penalty area that found the back of the net in the 80th minute, sealing the victory for Everton. This marks only the second goal Alcaraz has recorded for the club, his first coming over a year ago in the same cup competition. The hosts deservedly outplayed a Wolves side that had made nine alterations to the lineup that had secured a league win at Sheffield United the previous weekend.
Wolves' usual goal‑scorer, Raul Jimenez, started the match but was forced off midway through the first half due to an injury. After the game, Wolves manager César Peixoto confirmed that Jimenez would miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux, a fixture that will be televised live on Sky Sports. Wolves' debutant goalkeeper João Virginia, a former Everton youth product, was impressive in his first appearance against his old club.
He produced a spectacular close‑range save in first‑half stoppage time to deny a header from Thierno Barry. Later, Virginia’s counterpart, England keeper Jordan Pickford, also made a crucial intervention, denying a shot from Adam Armstrong – Jimenez’s replacement – early in the second half. That attempt was the visitors’ first on‑target strike of the evening. Virginia continued to test Everton’s attackers, turning away a chance from substitute Brennan Johnson.
However, nothing could prevent Alcaraz’s late curling strike, which curled into the top corner and left the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal brought smiles to the faces of two notable Everton supporters watching from the stands: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Canadian counterpart, former central bank governor Mark Carney, both of whom are known to be avid fans of the club. Their joy mirrored that of the Everton faithful, who are eager for David Moyes’ side to claim their first major trophy since the 1995 FA Cup victory. 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 endured a challenging debut season with the Toffees, provided the assist for Alcaraz’s winner and displayed a growing confidence that suggests he is beginning to feel at home at Goodison Park. Irvine said, "Since he returned for pre‑season, he looks like he belongs here; he looks more comfortable.
He is a very quiet lad, and it can sometimes take young lads time to settle in, especially at a club with such expectations. I told him before the game, ‘You’ve been waiting patiently – or impatiently – and now you have your chance. Make sure the manager has a tough decision to make for the next game,’ and he delivered." The assistant added that Dibling’s acceleration and willingness to take on more responsibility have been evident in training, noting that he has worked closely with fellow youngster Tyrique George during the pre‑season to increase their contributions on the pitch.
On the Wolves side, Peixoto defended his decision to rotate heavily, stating, "I think we played a good game; we competed against a strong Premier League team. A lot of our young players performed admirably today. I am pleased with the effort, even if the result was not in our favour." The match also featured a few moments of individual brilliance. Virginia’s save from Barry’s header was a reminder of his shot‑stopping abilities, while Pickford’s reflexes kept Everton’s lead intact.
The tactical battle saw Everton opting for a more direct approach in the final third, culminating in the Alcaraz strike, whereas Wolves attempted to press high but were left exposed after Jimenez’s early exit. Looking ahead, Everton will travel to face Newcastle United in an all‑Premier League cup tie, a fixture that promises to test the depth of Moyes’ squad after the busy early‑season schedule. For Wolves, the focus will shift to the upcoming derby against West Brom, where they will need to adapt without their prolific striker Jimenez.
Both clubs will reflect on the lessons from this encounter: Everton’s ability to find a winner from the bench highlights the value of squad rotation, while Wolves’ willingness to give opportunities to younger players may pay dividends later in the season. Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the competition, as the Carabao Cup continues to offer drama, surprise, and the chance for clubs outside the traditional elite to make a deep run. The tournament’s knockout format ensures that every match can produce a story like Alcaraz’s late heroics, underscoring why the competition remains a beloved fixture in the English football calendar. For those interested in interactive experiences, the website also promotes a "Super 6" game where participants can compete for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available to all supporters.