The Brazilian winger came off the bench and needed just 11 minutes to make his mark, cutting inside from the right before beating two defenders and firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

De Zerbi was delighted with the attacking display and stressed that goals will be central to Tottenham's ambitions this season.

"Yes, we need goals, we need to create chances to score," the Tottenham manager said. "To become a top team, we need many things, but one of these many things is to score, to be stronger when we are attacking in the last 30 metres."

Savio's immediate impact particularly pleased De Zerbi, who believes the winger can take his game to another level by becoming more prolific.

"It is a perfect day for him," De Zerbi said. "I think his biggest step, his biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because with his qualities, he is one of the best wingers. But the best wingers score many goals."

The manager has already set Savio a clear target, revealing that he wants Tottenham's wingers to contribute between 10 and 12 goals this season.

"I spoke with him yesterday, two days ago. We put the goal on 10-12 goals because we need 10-12 goals from the wingers," De Zerbi said.

Mikey Moore was another major positive on the night, scoring a superb opener before Dominic Solanke doubled Tottenham's advantage four minutes later.

De Zerbi was pleased to see Moore take his opportunity but admitted the club must decide what is best for the young academy product.

"It is important for him, it is important for us because he is our player from the academy," he said. "I would like to keep him because he is young, but a good player, but we can’t make the wrong decision because he needs to play and put games inside of him."

Kevin Danso made it 3-0 with his first touch after coming off the bench, heading home Mateus Fernandes' free-kick.

De Zerbi also praised Fernandes after the midfielder made his first competitive start for Tottenham.

"Mateus Fernandes is another talent, big talent," he said. "We are lucky because he can cover two positions on the pitch, like as a pivot or number 10."

The Tottenham boss also highlighted Rodrigo Bentancur, who impressed after making his first competitive start of the season.

"I think today Rodrigo Bentancur played very well," De Zerbi said. "When Rodrigo Bentancur is fit, is available, is in the right physical condition, he is a different player, because his understanding is great."

Savio then produced the moment of the night with his debut goal before his second effort deflected in off Ben Davies to put Tottenham 5-0 ahead.

Charlton pulled one back through Lloyd Jones late on, but Tottenham were already safely through to the third round.

The only concern for De Zerbi came when Micky van de Ven and Danso both appeared to suffer head knocks. However, the manager confirmed there was no serious problem.

"Nothing. It was a normal situation on the pitch, but nothing important," he said.

For Tottenham, the 5-1 victory delivered more than just progress in the Carabao Cup. Savio announced himself in style, Moore showed his quality, Solanke got off the mark and several returning players gained valuable minutes.

PSL preview wrap: Cape Town Spurs looking for first points of the season