Photo via Sky Sports

Everton strike late to beat much-changed Wolves in Carabao Cup

Charly Alcaraz emerged as the hero for Everton, securing a 1-0 home victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round. Entering the match as a substitute, Alcaraz needed only three minutes to find the back of the net in the 80th minute with a potent, bending effort from within the box.

The decisive tally marked merely his second goal for the club—his first coming in the identical tournament thirteen months prior—and prolonged David Moyes' team's undefeated run to the campaign. The contest was witnessed from the stands by UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both supporters of the Merseyside club, which is seeking its first trophy since 1995.

Wolves, currently competing in the Championship, fielded an altered squad featuring nine adjustments from their recent league triumph over Sheffield United. Their striker Raul Jimenez suffered an early blow, exiting midway through the opening half because of an injury and making way for Adam Armstrong, who later produced the away side's maiden attempt on target by testing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

At the other end, debutant goalkeeper Joao Virginia impressed against his former employers by brilliantly parrying a Thierno Barry header just before the interval and later stopping a shot from substitute Brennan Johnson, though he was ultimately powerless to keep out Alcaraz's late winner.