Roberto De Zerbi lays down challenge to new signing Savio after Tottenham debut goal

FootballSports
27 Aug 2026 • 5:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Roberto De Zerbi lays down challenge to new signing Savio after Tottenham debut goal

Roberto De Zerbi has set new signing Savio a target of double figures for the season following an impressive debut in Tottenham’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton.

The 22-year-old completed an £85 million transfer from Manchester City on Tuesday, bringing a prolonged pursuit to an end, and quickly won over supporters after coming off the bench a little over 24 hours later.

Savio entered in the 71st minute, scoring an 82nd-minute low drive before seeing another effort deflected home by Ben Davies three minutes later to round off the victory.

"Yes, it is a perfect day for him," De Zerbi said.

"I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because as qualities, I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals.

De Zerbi wants Savio to hit double figures this season (PA)

"I spoke with him and we put the goal on 10 or 12 goals (target) because we need 10 or 12 goals from the wingers.

"Last season we suffered too much because also the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that (17th) position."

Academy graduate Mikey Moore opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a fine left-footed effort. A loan deal to Bundesliga side Koln has been agreed for the 19-year-old, with De Zerbi considering the best step for his progression despite his strong display.

De Zerbi said: "It is important for him, it is important for us because he is our player from the academy and in this day we have to understand what the best solution is for him and for us.

"I would like to keep him because he is young, a good player, but we can’t (make) the wrong decision because anyway he needs to play and put games inside of him. With Johan Lange and Vinai (Venkatesham) we have to find the best solution."

Dominic Solanke marked his first start with a goal before half-time, while Kevin Danso added a third on 67 minutes. Lloyd Jones netted a late consolation for Charlton.

Dominic Solanke also got on the scoresheet (Reuters)

Charlton manager Nathan Jones was left to reflect on a painful night after centre-backs Collins Sichenje and Billy Koumetio were forced off injured within 15 minutes.

"Ah look, it is a pretty disastrous night for us," Jones said.

"Not the result or going out of the cup, but the injuries we have picked up.

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