Tottenham are trying to rebuild momentum after a bruising start to the Premier League season, and Wednesday's 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic offered the first signs that Roberto De Zerbi's project may be finding its footing. The result matters because it came on the back of a chastening 3-0 defeat at Brentford on the opening weekend, a performance De Zerbi described frankly by admitting his side did not fight in the right way.

The timing of the cup win was significant. New £85 million signing Savio, completed just days earlier from Manchester City, scored on his debut and gave supporters an immediate glimpse of what De Zerbi has been building towards in the transfer market. The club also agreed a loan deal with an obligation to buy for Omar Marmoush, adding further firepower as the window nears its close. That recruitment drive now totals over £237 million spent this summer, a figure that underlines the ambition but also the pressure to deliver.

James Maddison remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, a setback that limits De Zerbi's options in the attacking midfield areas where Spurs need creativity most. Sandro Tonali has publicly backed his manager despite the difficult start, insisting the squad's belief in the project remains intact.

With Newcastle United visiting Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League, De Zerbi's side need a result to avoid an early-season crisis. The draw for the Carabao Cup third round has also handed them a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, adding further context to a defining week ahead.