Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the EFL Cup third round with a comfortable 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday evening.
Looking for a reaction after the weekend’s bruising 3-0 defeat to Brentford to open the Premier League season, Roberto De Zerbi named a strong starting line-up for this London derby.
The Italian had to be patient as his side struggled to break Charlton down and survived a couple of minor scares, but he was rewarded in the 42nd minute as Mikey Moore dispatched an excellent finish from distance.
Dominic Solanke doubled the advantage three minutes later with his first goal since March, ending an eight-match barren run for club and country.
Spurs continued to push in the second half and after a string of missed chances, substitute Kevin Danso headed home their third with his first touch of the game — killing the faintest glimmer of a Charlton fightback.
There was even time for a debut goal from Savio — formerly Savinho — who found the net with a low, left-footed effort, just 11 minutes into his first appearance for the north Londoners. Ben Davies then added a fifth for the hosts shortly after, following more great work from Savio.
Charlton did enjoy one bright moment, with centre-back Lloyd Jones heading home a corner at the back post.
However, it was Tottenham’s night and a much-needed win and performance following the weekend’s humiliation. But which of the players who struggled against Brentford made the biggest statement here?
Tottenham vs Charlton analysis
1. Mikey Moore
It was a bold call for De Zerbi to start Mikey Moore on Saturday, and it didn’t exactly land, with the youngster largely anonymous barring a short period in the second half.
However, the 19-year-old showed exactly what he can do here with a decisive performance, full of energy, creativity and quality.
Moore took the brakes off after a slightly frustrating opening with a powerful effort beyond Charlton goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks, having cut inside and beautifully ghosted past a couple of defenders. Just three minutes later, the teenager turned provider with his corner leading to Solanke’s goal to double the advantage.
It was a defining three minutes from Moore. That said, his goal involvements were still just flashpoints in a performance that yielded match-highs for successful dribbles (3) and touches in the opposition box (12), while he also provided five crosses and won seven of his 14 ground duels.
Spurs prepare to host Newcastle United on Saturday, and while there is a huge difference in quality between them and Charlton, Moore has laid his cards on the table in the battle to get another chance from De Zerbi.
2. Jan Paul van Hecke
Saturday was not an ideal debut for Jan Paul van Hecke. There was plenty of pressure on the Dutchman after his big-money summer move from Brighton, but he looked out of sorts at the Gtech Community Stadium, failing to click with new partner Marcos Senesi.
De Zerbi gave Van Hecke the opportunity to steady himself in a Spurs jersey on Wednesday night and was rewarded with an assured performance that should clear away any overhanging nerves.
Sure, Charlton didn’t exactly give the Spurs defence a stern test. However, Van Hecke still had a few dangerous moments to deal with. He did so with composure, while he looked far more powerful in duels, winning all four in the air and on the ground combined.
With Spurs dominating possession, Van Hecke used the ball with precision and launched a number of attacks with his passing — the 26-year-old completing 90 of his 96 attempts at a 94% success rate. Van Hecke also posted a match-high 101 touches and 22 passes into the final third.
Not the greatest test Van Hecke will ever face, but a vital confidence boost this early into his Tottenham career.
- Founded 1882
- Stadium Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Manager Roberto De Zerbi
- Competition Premier League 2026-27
- Goals 0
- Goals Conceded 3
- Yellow Cards 1
- Total Red Cards
3. Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall’s inclusion in the starting line-up against Brentford was even more eyebrow-raising than Moore’s. Unfortunately, it backfired to an even greater degree, with the Sweden international lacking composure and committing an error leading to a goal.
Like Moore, De Zerbi gave Bergvall another run here, with the talented midfielder going the full 90 minutes. He used it to give a much better impression of what he’s capable of.
Bergvall wasn’t outstanding, but he did keep Spurs on the front foot with some powerful, driving runs on the ball — performing 29 carries and three progressive carries, while progressing the ball 111 metres not including passes.
The 20-year-old was precise in his use of the ball, completing all but four of his 60 passes and playing six passes into the final third. He was also alive to danger, making one block and five ball recoveries.
Bergvall needs to clock these sorts of numbers against Premier League opposition if he’s to convince De Zerbi he can compete with Tottenham’s huge-money signings like Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. But he’ll at least be feeling much better about himself after a controlling performance against Charlton.