Tolu Arokodare and Marshall Munetsi struck as Wolves advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 2-0 win over Everton at Molineux.
The result provided much-needed relief for Wolves, who remain bottom of the Premier League after the worst start in their history. Vitor Pereira’s men have lost all five league games this season but have now beaten West Ham and Everton in successive cup rounds.
Munetsi opened the scoring midway through the first half. Jhon Arias’ volley forced a strong save from Mark Travers, but the ball dropped kindly for the Zimbabwe international, who finished from close range.
Before that, Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone was called into action, tipping Michael Keane’s header over the bar. Everton continued to press after falling behind, and James Garner’s second-half free-kick clipped the crossbar.
Jack Grealish, introduced from the bench, almost created an equaliser for Jake O’Brien. But with three minutes left, Arokodare sealed the contest, chipping home his first Wolves goal since joining from Genk for £23m.
The Nigerian’s late strike capped a strong display and lifted the atmosphere inside Molineux, where home fans had earlier voiced frustration with the club’s owners. By the final whistle, chants for Pereira reflected the sense of relief at a long-awaited victory.
For Wolves, both Carabao Cup wins have come against Premier League opposition, offering a boost as they continue to chase their first league points of the campaign.
For Everton, however, it was another missed chance to end a long wait for silverware. They last lifted a major trophy in 1995, and their exit leaves only the FA Cup and league campaign to fight for.
David Moyes made seven changes to his side, but the much-altered line-up could not find a way back. New signing Thierno Barry endured a frustrating night, collecting a yellow card after kicking the ball away.
The result leaves Everton’s hopes of a cup run cut short before the end of September, days after their derby defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
Next up for Wolves is a trip to Tottenham on Saturday before they host Brighton on October 5.
Everton, meanwhile, welcome West Ham on Monday before facing Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
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