Everton are through to the Carabao Cup last 16 after Carlos Alcaraz struck late to beat Wolves 1-0.
The Argentine curled home with ten minutes remaining, settling a tense night against opponents who had knocked Everton out of this same competition twelve months ago.
David Moyes was absent from media duties afterwards, with assistant manager Alan Irvine stepping in to speak to reporters. Irvine hit a satisfied but measured tone, praising the squad’s response under pressure while making clear that nobody had expected an easy night against Championship opposition.
Press conference summary…
Irvine’s post-match briefing carried the relief of an assistant who had watched his side grind out a narrow win rather than cruise to it. Everton had chances throughout, but it took a moment of quality from a substitute to finally break Wolves down.
The headline story was Alcaraz. Introduced from the bench, he needed only limited minutes to make his mark, curling a finish beyond goalkeeper Joao Virginia to book Everton’s place in the next round. Irvine wasted no time in singling out the midfielder’s contribution once he sat down in front of the cameras.
For a full breakdown of individual displays, supporters can revisit our player ratings against Wolves, while the finer tactical detail is covered in the match report from the victory.
Assistant Manager Delighted for Carlos Alcaraz
Asked directly about Alcaraz’s impact, Irvine didn’t hold back in his praise for a player who has had to be patient for opportunities this season.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Charly. He trains well every day.”
Irvine went further, explaining that Alcaraz’s attitude away from matchdays has been just as important as anything he produces on the pitch. He described a player who reacts to disappointment the right way, staying sharp in training regardless of whether he starts.
“He’s massively disappointed whenever he’s not in the team – as you would want players to be. And when he’s had his chance then, tonight, he’s got the goal and everybody is delighted for him.”
Irvine’s remarks reflect a positive culture where fringe players are expected to remain ready, and where an equally positive attitude in training is treated as being just as valuable as end product on matchday. For Everton, with a busy fixture list ahead including David Moyes’ European campaign push, having options of Alcaraz’s calibre coming off the bench is handy.
Respecting the Championship challenge
Irvine was equally direct when asked whether facing a Championship side should have been a formality for Everton.
“I don’t know who thought it was going to be easy, but that certainly wasn’t me. I do all the preparation with the analysts on the opposition and Wolves have got a very similar squad to the one that played in the Premier League last year, so I certainly didn’t think it would be easy.
“Even with the changes they were able to make, it shows the depths that they’ve got and I would expect they’ll be very competitive in the Championship this year.”
And he was right. Wolves pushed Everton throughout, and Irvine’s comments serve as a reminder that a change of division does not strip a squad of Premier League-calibre players overnight.
As an aside, there were some notable guests at Hill Dickinson to witness the contest.
Everton win watched by two very well-known Blues at the Hill Dickinson
Everton win watched by two very well-known Blues at the Hill Dickinson
Everton vs Wolves line-ups: Jack Grealish starts in cup tie
Everton vs Wolves line-ups: Jack Grealish starts in cup tie