Substitute forward Charly Alcaraz stepped onto the pitch and, just three minutes after entering the game, delivered a decisive strike in the 80th minute that secured a 1-0 home victory for Everton over a heavily altered Wolves side in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The goal not only preserved Everton's unbeaten start to the campaign but also set up a forthcoming clash with Newcastle United, another Premier League opponent, in the week beginning 26 October. Alcaraz’s winner was only his second goal for the Toffees, the first having come more than a year earlier in the same competition.
His late, curling effort from inside the box left Wolves goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with little chance, confirming Everton’s superiority over a Championship team that had made nine changes to the lineup that had recently secured a league win at Sheffield United. Wolves entered the match with a number of alterations, including a start for their Bramall Lane hero Raul Jimenez. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Jimenez suffered an injury midway through the first half and was forced to leave the field. Manager César Peixoto later confirmed in his post‑match briefing that the striker will miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
One of the most notable performances came from Wolves’ debutant Joao Virginia, who impressed against his former club by making a spectacular close‑range save to deny a Thierno Barry header during first‑half stoppage time. Virginia later matched Pickford’s effort by denying Everton substitute Brennan Johnson, but he could not prevent Alcaraz’s powerful, curling finish from finding the back of the net late in the game. The goal brought a smile to the faces of two high‑profile Everton 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 to be avid fans of the club. Their presence underscored the excitement surrounding David Moyes’ side as they continue to 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 composure and his assist for Alcaraz’s winner. Irvine praised the youngster’s development, noting that he appears to have found his footing during pre‑season and is beginning to feel comfortable within the squad’s demanding environment.
"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 continued, "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." On the Wolves side, Peixoto defended his decision to rotate the squad, stating that the team performed well against a strong Premier League opponent. "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 featured a few technical notes for viewers: the club’s online platform recommends using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, ensuring fans can enjoy a smoother streaming experience. Overall, the encounter highlighted Everton’s depth and the impact that a single substitute can have in a tightly contested cup tie. Alcaraz’s late strike not only secured three points but also reinforced the narrative that the Toffees are serious contenders for silverware this season.
As they look ahead to a challenging fixture against Newcastle, the confidence gained from overcoming a re‑shuffled Wolves side should serve them well in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, Wolves will have to regroup quickly, manage Jimenez’s injury, and assess the performances of the nine newcomers who were given a chance.
Their manager’s willingness to experiment could pay dividends later in the season, but the immediate disappointment of a narrow defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow. Fans of both clubs can look forward to upcoming league matches and further cup action, with the promise of more drama, emerging talents, and perhaps another late‑game heroics that could decide the fate of their teams in this competition.