Charly Alcaraz came off the bench to send Everton into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with his late winner finally breaking Wolves’ resistance at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Argentine struck in the 80th minute, just three minutes after his introduction, to settle a tie in which the Blues had repeatedly been frustrated by former Everton goalkeeper João Virgínia. A home meeting with Newcastle United awaits in the next round.
For much of the evening, Everton were left waiting for their attacking efforts to produce a breakthrough.
Jake O’Brien headed into the side-netting, while Hayden Hackney saw an effort blocked and Virgínia reacted bravely at Thierno Barry’s feet.
The clearest opportunity before the interval fell to Barry. His close-range header looked set to put Everton ahead, only for Virgínia to produce an outstanding one-handed save to turn the ball over the bar.
There was a reminder after the restart that Everton still had work to do at the other end. Sean Neave created an opening for Adam Armstrong, but Jordan Pickford stood firm, denying the Wolves forward with his leg.
Virgínia continued to frustrate his former club, saving from James Garner and then using his feet to keep out substitute Brennan Johnson. With the game still goalless, the possibility of penalties was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
Then came the moment Everton needed.
Introduced alongside Tyrique George in the 77th minute, Alcaraz took little time to make his mark. Tyler Dibling supplied the pass, Alcaraz turned away from Toti and curled his finish beyond Virgínia. After all the earlier frustration, Everton had their lead.
Pickford dealt with a late effort from Tommy Doyle as the Blues saw the game through.
Alcaraz provided the decisive contribution, but Dibling’s display was another welcome positive. The winger earned player-of-the-match recognition and supplied the assist for the winner, giving David Moyes something to consider when choosing his next starting XI.
Everton could have made the evening more comfortable with a sharper touch in front of goal, although Virgínia deserved considerable credit for keeping the contest alive.
There is room for improvement, but the immediate job was completed: a clean sheet, a deserved win and another cup tie to look forward to.