Substitute forward Charly Alcaraz stepped up in the dying minutes to secure a 1-0 win for Everton against a largely reshuffled Wolves side in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The decisive strike, delivered just three minutes after Alcaraz entered the pitch, ensured Everton maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign and set up a forthcoming Premier League showdown with Newcastle in the week beginning October 26. Alcaraz’s winner, coming in the 80th minute, marked only his second goal for the Toffees – his first having arrived over a year ago in the same competition. The match itself saw Everton outplay the Championship club, which had made nine alterations to the lineup that had secured a league victory at Sheffield United the previous weekend.
Wolves’ leading scorer from the Bramall Lane encounter, Raul Jimenez, started the game but was forced off midway through the first half due to an injury. Manager César Peixoto later confirmed that Jimenez would miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Brom at Molineux, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In goal for Wolves, debutant João Virginia delivered a standout performance, most notably pulling off a superb close‑range save to deny Thierno Barry’s header during first‑half stoppage time.
Everton’s keeper, Jordan Pickford, also had his moments, making a crucial stop to block a shot from Jimenez’s replacement, Adam Armstrong, early in the second half – the visitors’ first on‑target attempt of the evening. Virginia later thwarted a chance from Everton substitute Brennan Johnson, but he could not prevent Alcaraz’s powerful, curling finish from inside the box, which ultimately settled the contest. The late goal brought delight not only to the Everton faithful but also to notable supporters such as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian finance minister Mark Carney, both of whom are known Everton enthusiasts. Their joy mirrors the optimism at Goodison Park, where manager David Moyes continues to chase the club’s first major trophy since the 1995 FA Cup triumph.
Assistant manager Alan Irvine highlighted the progress of 20‑year‑old midfielder Tyler Dibling, who was named man of the match for his influential display. Dibling, who has endured a challenging debut season, provided the assist for Alcaraz’s winner and appears to be settling into his role after a period of adaptation. Irvine praised Dibling’s recent form, noting his increased confidence and composure since returning from pre‑season training.
He remarked, "Since he came back 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 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." On the Wolves side, Peixoto defended his decision to overhaul the squad, stating, "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." His comments underscored the belief that the youthful contingent gained valuable experience despite the defeat. The match also featured a few ancillary notes for viewers.
A reminder was included urging fans to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. Additionally, promotional material for a Super 6 competition offering a £1 million prize was displayed, inviting participants to enter for free. Overall, the encounter showcased Everton’s resilience and depth, with Alcaraz’s late heroics epitomising the squad’s determination to push forward in cup competitions.
The victory not only extends their unbeaten run but also adds momentum as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle, while Wolves will look to regroup and address the injury concerns surrounding Jimenez as they head into the next phase of their season.