Substitute striker Charly Alcaraz stepped onto the pitch and, just three minutes after entering, delivered a decisive blow that saw Everton edge past a heavily rotated Wolves side with a 1-0 win in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The match, played at Goodison Park, proved to be a tightly contested affair, but it was Alcaraz’s late strike in the 80th minute that ultimately broke the deadlock and ensured the Toffees maintained their unbeaten start to the season. The goal not only handed Everton three points but also set up a tantalising next round tie against Newcastle United, another Premier League outfit, scheduled for the week beginning 26 October. This upcoming clash promises to be a true test of Everton’s growing confidence under David Moyes, as the club continues its quest for silverware – a prize that has eluded them since their 1995 triumph.
Alcaraz’s winner was only his second goal for the club. His first came just over a year ago in the same competition, making the moment feel like a personal milestone as well as a crucial contribution to the team’s cup run. The 20‑year‑old’s powerful curling effort from inside the box left Wolves goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with little chance, sealing a hard‑earned victory for the home side. Wolves entered the match with a dramatically altered lineup, having made nine changes from the squad that had secured a league win at Sheffield United the previous weekend.
Their leading scorer from that game, Raul Jimenez, started the fixture but was forced off in the first half due to an injury that later proved serious enough to rule him out of the forthcoming Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux. Manager César Peixoto confirmed Jimenez’s absence in his post‑match press conference, noting that the striker’s injury would keep him sidelined for at least the next league encounter, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In the midst of Wolves’ reshuffled roster, debutant João Virginia shone for the visitors.
The young keeper produced a spectacular close‑range save in first‑half stoppage time, denying Thierno Barry’s header and keeping the score level. Later, he again proved his worth by parrying a shot from Everton’s substitute Brennan Johnson, although the rebound ultimately fell to Alcaraz, who capitalised with his winning strike. The match also featured a notable performance from Everton’s 20‑year‑old midfielder Tyler Dibling. After a challenging first season in which he struggled to find consistency, Dibling was named player of the match for his composure and his assist for Alcaraz’s goal.
Assistant manager Alan Irvine praised the youngster, saying that Dibling appears to have settled into the club environment following a pre‑season that allowed him to showcase his acceleration and technical ability. Irvine highlighted the importance of patience with young players, noting that Dibling’s recent displays suggest he is beginning to belong at Goodison Park. "Since he came back 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.
I told him before the game, ‘You’ve been waiting patiently – or impatiently – and you now have your chance, and you must take it. Make sure the manager has a tough decision to make for the next game,’ and he’s done that." Peixoto, for his part, defended his decision to overhaul the squad, stating that the young Wolves players performed admirably against a strong Premier League side. "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, acknowledging the disappointment of the loss while expressing optimism about the development of his squad. The win also delighted high‑profile Everton supporters watching from the stands, including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian finance minister Mark Carney, both known fans of the club.
Their presence added a touch of celebrity to the evening, underscoring the broader appeal of Everton’s cup ambitions. Looking ahead, Everton will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the Newcastle encounter. The Toffees have shown resilience by overturning a game that could have easily slipped away, and their ability to find a winner late in the match highlights a growing belief within the squad. With the cup still wide open, David Moyes and his coaching staff will be eager to keep the team focused, especially as the Premier League campaign continues to present its own challenges.
For Wolves, the defeat serves as a learning experience for a side that is integrating numerous new faces. The injury to Jimenez is a setback, but the performances of players like Virginia suggest there is depth to draw upon. Peixoto’s willingness to give opportunities to younger talent could pay dividends as the season progresses, even if the immediate result was disappointing.
Overall, the Carabao Cup tie provided an entertaining spectacle, a dramatic finish, and a glimpse into the future trajectories of both clubs. Everton’s late heroics have secured them a place in the next round, while Wolves must regroup and address the injury concerns that have emerged. Fans of both sides can look forward to further excitement as the competition moves forward, with the promise of more knockout drama and the chance for clubs to add a coveted trophy to their cabinets.
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