Substitute forward Charly Alcaraz stepped onto the pitch and, just three minutes after entering, delivered a decisive strike that secured a 1-0 win for Everton against a heavily altered Wolves side in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The goal, which arrived in the 80th minute, not only preserved Everton's unbeaten start to the campaign but also set up a forthcoming all‑Premier League showdown with Newcastle 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 the Wolves goalkeeper with no chance and cemented Everton’s status as the deserving victors over a Championship outfit that had made nine changes following their league triumph over Sheffield United the previous weekend. Wolves entered the match with a reshuffled lineup. Their usual goal‑scorer at Bramall Lane, Raúl Jiménez, started the game but was forced off midway through the first half after sustaining an injury.
Post‑match, manager César Peixoto confirmed that Jiménez would miss the upcoming Black Country derby against West Brom at Molineux, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. One of the debutants for Wolves, João Virginia, produced an inspired performance against his former club.
He made a spectacular close‑range save to deny Thierno Barry’s header in first‑half stoppage time, showcasing reflexes that kept his side in the contest. Across the pitch, Everton’s keeper Jordan Pickford also had his moments, pulling off a fine save to block a shot from Jiménez’s replacement, Adam Armstrong, early in the second half. That was the visitors’ first shot on target of the evening.
Virginia continued to impress, denying substitute Brennan Johnson a clear chance before Alcaraz’s powerful, curling finish found the back of the net. The goal sparked celebrations among the travelling contingent, which included UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian finance minister Mark Carney – both known Everton supporters – who expressed delight at the prospect of David Moyes’ side edging closer to their first major trophy since 1995. Everton’s assistant manager Alan Irvine used the occasion to highlight the progress of young midfielder Tyler Dibling.
The 20‑year‑old, who endured a challenging debut season, was named man of the match after providing the assist for Alcaraz’s winner. Irvine praised Dibling’s development, noting that the player seemed more at ease after pre‑season and had finally seized his opportunity.
"Since he returned for pre‑season he looks like he belongs here; he looks more comfortable," Irvine said. He added that young players often need time to adjust to the pressures at a club with high expectations, but Dibling’s recent performances suggest he is beginning to fulfill that potential. "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," Irvine continued. The assistant also highlighted Dibling’s acceleration and work rate, saying that while the player still needs to display those qualities more consistently, the signs are encouraging. Irvine mentioned that he has been working closely with both Dibling and fellow youngster Tyrique George throughout the pre‑season to encourage greater contribution, and he believes the effort is beginning to bear fruit.
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 played a good game; we competed against a solid Premier League side," he said. He praised the youngsters who stepped up, acknowledging their strong showing while expressing disappointment with the final result.
"I’m happy with the effort today but not with the outcome," he concluded. The win keeps Everton’s cup hopes alive and adds momentum to their league campaign. With a challenging fixture list ahead, including the upcoming clash with Newcastle, the Toffees will look to build on the confidence generated by Alcaraz’s late heroics and the emerging contributions of players like Dibling and Johnson. Meanwhile, Wolves will regroup ahead of their derby with West Brom, hoping to recover from Jiménez’s injury setback and the disappointment of a narrow defeat despite the extensive squad changes.
Fans can look forward to more action as the Carabao Cup progresses, with the promise of further drama, emerging talent, and the ever‑present quest for silverware that drives clubs throughout the English football season.