Alcaraz fires Everton to cup win against Mansfield

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

Carlos Alcaraz scored a sublime goal to guide Premier League side Everton past Mansfield and into the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The hosts missed numerous chances before Argentine Alcaraz hit a delightful first-time strike from Harrison Armstrong's pass in the 50th minute. Beto converted from close range late on to make the game safe.

Everton boss David Moyes is targeting a cup run, which he considers a more likely prospect than success towards the top of the league, and this victory sets up a trip to Wolves in the next round.

The match at Hill Dickinson Stadium was delayed by 15 minutes to ensure all supporters had safe access into the stadium, and the home side created the better chances without finding a breakthrough in a goalless first half.

Alcaraz's drilled low shot from outside the area was tipped wide by goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who also pushed over Dwight McNeil's free-kick.

The Toffees continued to create openings, but James Tarkowski headed wide at the far post, while both McNeil and the sprightly Jack Grealish were unable to find the target with efforts from 12 yards.

Grealish was looking like Everton's best outlet in an attempt to break the deadlock and the on-loan Manchester City winger stung the palms of Roberts at the start of the second half, before Alcaraz opened the scoring with a fine side-footed finish.

Mansfield, from League One, were finding it difficult to threaten stand-in Everton keeper Mark Travers' goal, with Regan Hendry seeing an effort headed away by James Tarkowski.

At the other end, substitute Beto struck meekly at Roberts, but he did manage to get on the scoresheet in the final minute from another Armstrong assist.

Analysis: Grealish quickly becoming fans' favourite

Although there are teething issues that need to be ironed out, such as the apparent issues with digital tickets, Everton are enjoying the start of life at their magnificent new Bramley-Moore Dock home.

Moyes' men have made it back-to-back victories without conceding following their move from Goodison Park and were in control for large periods during Wednesday's contest – the first to be played under floodlights at the venue.

There could be more incomings in their remaining days of the transfer window, but this Everton side are well organised under Moyes and will be aiming to make the place a home fortress.

There will be concerns about the number of chances being missed, and 22-year-old summer signing Thierno Barry looks like he may need time to settle in following his big-money move from Villarreal.

But there are plenty of positives to draw upon, most notably the early form shown by Grealish, who is already becoming a fans' favourite.

The 29-year-old has had a couple of years on the fringes at City and is aiming to win his place back in the England squad during a season that ends with a World Cup.

The freedom with which he is being allowed to play, and the intakes of breath every time he gets on the ball, suggests he will be a key player for Everton.

Chants of "super Jack Grealish" echoed around the stadium when he was brought off after an hour, replaced by compatriot Tyler Dibling, who made his debut after a £40m switch from Southampton.

Second-half goals from Alcaraz and Beto settled the tie, with Mansfield's 6,000-strong support heading home without seeing their side manage a shot on target.

Everton manager David Moyes: "I have had 100 of these games in my career, and 99 have been rubbish. We played well enough and weren't clinical. The football was fine and we dominated for 40 minutes, they probably had a few minutes before half-time but a lot of things I liked. We had to navigate a side that won four on the bounce and started the league quite well.

"We don't have European football here and I have had it and know how difficult it is to play Thursday and Sunday. I want us to try to be as strong as we can. Every team changed eight, nine 10 players and the media sometimes ask 'why are they doing that?' Coaches have to manage all the players and everyone at the club.

"We are not a side that will be competitive at the top end of the league but we have to try and be competitive in the cup. Everybody wants to win the cups, the draws are decisive in what you get.

"It was 15 minutes late tonight due to everyone getting used to travelling in for an evening night. It is amazing the numbers we got for the game. The crowd are trying to play their part, we are trying to bring in offensive options to go with the defensive work we have done."

Mansfield manager Nigel Clough: "I don't think we could have done much more and frustrated them until half-time. One bit of quality from 20-25 yards and he curled one in - not much you can do about that.

"It was lovely to see the families, we don't know when we can come to this sort of stadium or venue again. A great memory. I hate losing but not much more we can do."

What next for these teams?

Everton: David Moyes' side travel to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Mansfield: Nigel Clough's men head to Lincoln in League One at the same time.