Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup meeting with Charlton Athletic offered Tottenham Hotspur a brief glimpse of the level they could have been facing on a weekly basis had relegation become a reality last season.
Instead of battling in the Championship, Spurs are preparing for another season in the Premier League, and their midweek cup assignment provided a timely reminder of the difference in quality between the two divisions. Roberto De Zerbi’s side eventually made that gap count in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Nathan Jones’ Charlton with a convincing 5-1 victory in north London.
Tottenham were not particularly impressive during the opening stages and needed some time to settle into the contest. However, once Mikey Moore broke the deadlock, the game quickly opened up. Spurs began to find space with greater regularity, their attacking combinations improved and Charlton struggled to contain the growing pressure.
Dominic Solanke doubled the advantage before Kevin Danso added another, while Savio and Ben Davies completed a comprehensive victory. The result sent Tottenham comfortably through to the next round and, perhaps more importantly, gave De Zerbi plenty of positives to consider ahead of the weekend.
Mikey Moore makes his case
For Moore, the game represented an important opportunity to respond after a disappointing Premier League outing against Brentford.
The teenager has faced an uncertain summer, with the possibility of a loan move still hanging over his future. Tottenham have been carefully considering what is best for his development, particularly with the competition for attacking positions increasing.
His performance against Brentford did little to strengthen his case for an immediate starting role. Moore struggled to make a meaningful impact, was substituted in the 68th minute and missed two significant chances. He also failed to register a key pass as Spurs struggled to create enough danger in their opening league match.
But the Carabao Cup brought a completely different version of the young winger.
Moore looked confident, aggressive and willing to take responsibility whenever he received possession. He opened the scoring with an excellent individual effort, cutting inside from the right before unleashing a powerful strike that flew beyond goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks.
The finish was emphatic, but Moore’s overall contribution was arguably even more encouraging. He did not simply wait for opportunities to come his way; he repeatedly attempted to take defenders on and carry the ball into dangerous areas.
His influence was rewarded again when he played an important role in Solanke’s goal, providing the assist for the striker’s first goal of the new campaign.
The numbers underline just how adventurous Moore was. The 19-year-old completed 26 carries, seven of which were progressive, while attempting eight dribbles and successfully completing three. Those figures reflect a player who was constantly looking to move Tottenham forward rather than simply retaining possession.
That leaves De Zerbi with an interesting decision to make.
Does Moore deserve another opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League, or would regular football elsewhere be more beneficial?
A loan move could still make sense. Moore needs consistent senior minutes, and Tottenham’s attacking options have become considerably stronger. However, performances like this will undoubtedly make De Zerbi think twice before allowing the youngster to leave.
The challenge for Moore is now to reproduce this level of confidence and attacking intent against Premier League opposition.
Savio provides a glimpse of the new Son
While there were plenty of positives for Tottenham, the most exciting moment of the night arguably came from new signing Savio.
The Brazilian officially completed his move to Spurs only on Tuesday, yet he needed barely 20 minutes to demonstrate why the club were so keen to bring him in.
Savio immediately looked dangerous from the right flank. His pace, direct running and willingness to attack defenders gave Tottenham another dimension, and his cameo was exactly the kind of introduction that supporters would have wanted to see from a new arrival.
De Zerbi had already challenged the winger to become more productive in front of goal.
The Italian previously pointed out that the world’s best wingers regularly contribute between 10 and 15 goals per season and suggested that Savio possesses the ability to reach those numbers. According to De Zerbi, the Brazilian simply needs to develop the habit of putting himself in positions where he can score more frequently.
Savio could hardly have delivered a better response.
Within around ten minutes of entering the pitch, he had found the back of the net with a superb finish.
There was a familiar feeling to the goal. Tottenham supporters who watched Heung-min Son dominate from the wing for so many years may have noticed similarities in Savio’s approach. Although the Brazilian operates primarily from the opposite side, his desire to receive the ball, attack his opponent and drive into the penalty area brought back memories of the South Korean at his best.
Savio was energetic and unpredictable, constantly trying to create something rather than playing within himself.
For his goal, he moved inside, worked his way beyond his marker and then fired a fierce effort into the near corner. It was the type of finish that demonstrated both confidence and quality.
And it was not the only time he was involved in Tottenham’s fifth goal.
Initially, it appeared that Savio had scored again after finding space inside the penalty area. The winger celebrated enthusiastically, racing towards the corner before pulling the flag from the ground in excitement.
However, replays showed that Ben Davies got the final touch, meaning the goal was ultimately credited to the defender.
Even so, Savio’s involvement highlighted the immediate threat he can offer. The opposition struggled to deal with his movement, while his ability to accelerate into space gave Tottenham another attacking outlet.
Of course, Charlton represent a different challenge to what Spurs will encounter in the Premier League. Savio will face stronger defenders, less space and far greater tactical pressure as the season progresses.
Nevertheless, his debut could hardly have gone better.
Tottenham’s new attacking era is beginning to take shape
There were other encouraging performances on the night, too.
Mateus Fernandes enjoyed his first competitive start for the club and marked the occasion with an assist, giving De Zerbi another reason to be pleased with the midfielder’s development.
Jan Paul van Hecke also responded well after a difficult Premier League debut. The defender looked far more assured against Charlton, winning all four of his defensive duels and providing Tottenham with the stability they needed at the back.
Solanke’s goal was another welcome sight. The striker endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign, so getting off the mark should provide a valuable confidence boost. Tottenham will need considerably more from him this season, particularly with De Zerbi looking to build a more dynamic attacking side.
Yet Moore and Savio were the two players who stole most of the headlines.
For Moore, the night was a reminder of the talent he possesses and why Tottenham have been reluctant to give up on him. His challenge now is consistency.
For Savio, meanwhile, it was a first glimpse of what could become a very exciting partnership between player and club.
Tottenham’s decision to strengthen their wide areas was understandable after Son’s departure. For years, the South Korean had provided goals, assists, leadership and a reliable source of attacking inspiration. Replacing that influence was never going to be straightforward.
Savio, however, appears capable of helping fill the void.
One impressive Carabao Cup cameo does not mean he will replicate everything Son achieved at Tottenham. The Brazilian still has plenty to prove, and tougher examinations are coming. But his first outing offered exactly the kind of excitement Spurs fans have been craving.
If Savio can consistently combine his explosiveness with improved finishing, De Zerbi may have found a winger capable of transforming Tottenham’s attack.
And after a difficult period in which Spurs were forced to fight simply to preserve their Premier League status, nights like this provide a glimpse of a more optimistic future.
The 5-1 victory over Charlton was ultimately only a cup result, but the performances of Moore, Savio, Solanke and Fernandes gave De Zerbi plenty to work with.
Most importantly, Tottenham’s new-look attack is beginning to look dangerous again — and Savio may just be the player capable of bringing some of the old Son magic back to north London.
