Carlos Alcaraz joined Everton permanently in the summer following a loan spell last season

Alcaraz Strike Sends Everton Past Mansfield in Carabao Cup

Carlos Alcaraz scored a stunning opener as Everton secured a 2-0 win over Mansfield Town to progress to the Carabao Cup third round under the floodlights of their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

After a frustrating first half where Everton squandered several clear chances, the Argentine midfielder broke the deadlock with a composed first-time finish from Harrison Armstrong’s pass just after the restart. Beto sealed the result with a late goal in stoppage time, also assisted by Armstrong.

Missed Chances Before Breakthrough

The game, delayed 15 minutes due to crowd congestion, saw Everton dominate possession early. However, despite the pressure, they failed to convert numerous chances:

James Tarkowski headed wide from close range.
Dwight McNeil’s free-kick and Carlos Alcaraz’s low strike were both saved by goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
Jack Grealish, Everton’s most dangerous outlet, saw multiple efforts saved or narrowly miss.

Grealish looked lively throughout the first half, consistently drawing gasps from the home crowd every time he touched the ball. The on-loan Manchester City winger forced a save just moments before Alcaraz’s opener.

Alcaraz & Beto Secure Victory

Carlos Alcaraz won his first French Open title last year

Alcaraz’s goal in the 50th minute was followed by sustained control from the Premier League side. Mansfield failed to register a single shot on target, and their only real opportunity — a Regan Hendry strike — was cleared by Tarkowski.

Substitute Beto, after a weak earlier effort, made sure of the result in the 90th minute with a clinical finish, again from an Armstrong assist.

Grealish Wins Over Everton Fans

Jack Grealish is quickly becoming a crowd favourite. Given freedom to roam and attack, the 29-year-old impressed with his flair and intent. Chants of “Super Jack Grealish” echoed around the stadium when he was subbed off after 60 minutes for Tyler Dibling, making his debut following a £40m transfer from Southampton.

Though still adjusting, Dibling and fellow summer signing Thierno Barry are expected to grow into their roles under David Moyes, who has now led Everton to back-to-back clean-sheet wins at their new home.