Another busy day at Everton, with Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Wolves providing plenty of talking points before attention turns back towards the Premier League.
Tyler Dibling has earned plenty of praise, Carlos Alcaraz made his mark from the bench, James Garner has been talking about Everton’s cup ambitions and Braiden Graham continues to attract attention with Northern Ireland.
There was even time for Mark Carney and Andy Burnham to enjoy a rather happier Everton evening together. Here are today’s news and talking points.
Dibling looks like he belongs
Tyler Dibling was one of the big winners from the 1-0 victory over Wolves.
Alan Irvine revealed afterwards that the youngster returned for pre-season looking far more comfortable at Everton following a difficult first campaign, saying Dibling now looks as though he “belongs here”.
He certainly did on Wednesday. Dibling produced a man-of-the-match performance and created the winner for Alcaraz, giving David Moyes something to think about ahead of Ipswich.
Read: Tyler Dibling belongs at Everton, says Alan Irvine after cup win
The Dibling moment Evertonians loved
It was not only Dibling’s work with the ball that caught the eye.
Patrick Boyland highlighted one passage in which the 20-year-old produced an inspired pass and, after possession was lost, raced back to make the recovery run and tackle himself.
The reaction from the Hill Dickinson told its own story.
Read: The Tyler Dibling moment that had the Hill Dickinson roaring
Alcaraz takes his chance
Alcaraz had to wait until the 77th minute to enter the game but needed only three minutes to make the difference.
His finish secured Everton’s place in the last 16 and earned warm praise from Irvine, who revealed how well the Argentine has continued to train despite his disappointment at not always being in the starting XI.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Charly,” said Irvine. “He trains well every day.”
Read: Alan Irvine hails Carlos Alcaraz after Everton beat Wolves
Garner wants a cup run
Everton now know Newcastle United stand between them and a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The fourth-round tie will be at the Hill Dickinson, and Garner has revealed that the players have already spoken among themselves about wanting to make a serious run at a competition Everton have never won.
The Blues have not lifted a major trophy since the FA Cup in 1995. There is still a long way to go, but they are into the last 16 and have another home tie to look forward to.
Read: James Garner reveals Everton squad’s Carabao Cup trophy ambition
O’Neill in no hurry to define Graham’s Everton role
Braiden Graham has retained his place in Northern Ireland’s senior squad, but Michael O’Neill is in no hurry to decide exactly where the 18-year-old’s long-term future lies.
O’Neill revealed he has watched Graham since he was 14 or 15 and believes the Everton youngster has the technical ability to operate from the side, as a No.10 or around a bigger striker.
Moyes has similarly suggested Graham may be suited to playing from a wider position as he continues his development.
Read: Braiden Graham – O’Neill urges patience over Everton teen’s best role
Panel backs Tarkowski challenge
Almost a fortnight after Everton’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel has delivered its verdict on James Tarkowski’s challenge on Matheus Cunha.
The panel unanimously supported referee John Brooks’ decision not to award a penalty, concluding that Tarkowski had clearly and fairly won the ball.
It settles any lingering argument over one of the game’s more contentious moments.
Read: Everton v Man Utd – panel backs Tarkowski tackle decision
Carney enjoys a better Everton memory
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first Everton game was the 1989 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool.
Thirty-seven years later, his trip to the Hill Dickinson with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham ended rather better.
Carney posted afterwards that Everton “didn’t disappoint” as Alcaraz’s goal sent the Blues through, thanking Burnham for the invitation.
Read: Mark Carney has his say after watching Everton with Andy Burnham
Ipswich next at the Hill Dickinson
And finally, attention turns towards Saturday.
Everton remain unbeaten in all competitions after six games this season, with three wins, three draws, only three goals conceded and four clean sheets.
Ipswich visit the Hill Dickinson for a 3pm kick-off, with Stuart Attwell appointed referee and Andrew Kitchen overseeing VAR.
Read: Stuart Attwell appointed referee for Everton v Ipswich
Six games, no defeats, a place in the Carabao Cup last 16 and another home Premier League game to come.
Not a bad week to be an Evertonian.
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