Photo via Sky Sports

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

Everton advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup following a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, setting up a late-October clash against Newcastle United. Substitute Charly Alcaraz produced the decisive moment in the 80th minute, curling in a shot off an assist from player of the match Tyler Dibling only three minutes after entering the pitch.

The late strike was Alcaraz's second goal for the club—his first in 13 months—and kept David Moyes' squad undefeated across all competitions this season as they pursue their first trophy since 1995. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were in attendance to celebrate the triumph, while assistant manager Alan Irvine commended the 20-year-old Dibling for his visible growth after a challenging initial year on Merseyside.

Wolves fielded a heavily altered lineup featuring nine adjustments following their previous Championship fixture at Sheffield United. An early setback saw forward Raul Jimenez forced off midway through the first period, with manager Cesar Peixoto confirming post-match that the injury will keep him out of the upcoming derby against West Brom.

Former Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia delivered a sharp display for Wolves, thwarting a Thierno Barry header in first-half stoppage time and later stopping an effort from Brennan Johnson, while Jordan Pickford turned aside an early second-half strike from Jimenez's replacement, Adam Armstrong.