Tottenham face Liverpool in the League Cup

Brazilian winger Savio scored on his debut for Tottenham, and his Italian manager, Roberto De Zerbi, challenged him to score at least ten goals this season, after the London club advanced to the third round of the English Football League Cup to face Liverpool, following a comfortable 5-1 victory over second-tier Championship side Charlton Athletic yesterday. The North London club, winners of the competition four times, began their English Premier League season with a humiliating 3-0 away defeat to Brentford late last week. But the situation was different at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as two goals within four minutes late in the first half from Mickey Moore and Dominic Solanke gave the home side control of the match. Substitute Kevin Dansa, from Austria, scored on his first touch, converting a direct free-kick with a clever header in the 67th minute. He was joined by Brazilian winger Savio, who joined Tottenham for a fee estimated at £75 million ($102 million) from Manchester City, coming off the bench, and began to partially justify that price tag by dribbling past two defenders inside the penalty area before firing a shot that hit the near post and went into the net in the 82nd minute. Just three minutes later, the player formerly known as Savinho (now Savio) set up his team’s fifth goal when his shot struck Spurs captain Ben Davies’ thigh. De Zerbi said about Savio: “Yes, it’s a perfect day for him.” He added, “I spoke with him and we set a target of scoring 10 or 12 goals, because we need that many goals from our wingers.” In other results, Newcastle beat second-tier Championship side West Bromwich 3-2, Everton defeated Preston from the Championship 4-0, while third-tier League One side Bradford City secured their match against Championship side Burnley 4-2 on penalties. The nine Premier League clubs participating in European competitions will enter the League Cup directly from the third round. The third-round draw was conducted after yesterday’s matches, with Tottenham set to visit Liverpool in one of six potential ties between Premier League sides. Manchester United will face Brighton. League champions Arsenal will travel to Ipswich, while defending cup holders Manchester City will host Norwich City. Third-round matches will be played over the two weeks beginning on September 7 and 14.