Top News

Tottenham Hotspur began their pre-season campaign with a promising 1-0 win over MK Dons, thanks to a sensational debut strike from Mateus Fernandes just minutes into the match at Hotspur Way.

Under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs are looking to integrate several new faces and regain their place among the Premier League’s top sides. The Italian coach will have been pleased with what he saw in this opening friendly.

Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Martin Dubravka all made their first appearances in Tottenham colours during the behind-closed-doors fixture, while new signings Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson watched from the sidelines.

Tottenham started the match brightly against the newly promoted League One side. Dominic Solanke came close to opening the scoring within seconds, only to be denied by MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

Spurs did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. In the third minute, a corner from Mathys Tel was cleared only as far as Fernandes, who met the ball with a first-time volley that crashed in off the post for a memorable debut goal.

The midfield trio of Fernandes, Tonali, and Conor Gallagher looked well balanced, with Archie Gray providing solid support behind them. On the wings, Manor Solomon—returning from his loan spell at Fiorentina—caused problems down the right, while Rio Kyrematen impressed on the left.

MK Dons struggled to create meaningful chances, and their few attacking forays were dealt with effectively by Kota Takai—returning from injury after missing last year’s pre-season—and Ben Davies, who made his first appearance since fracturing his ankle in the spring.

Opportunities were scarce throughout the first half, but De Zerbi would have been satisfied with his side’s control of the match as he made ten substitutions at the break. Youngsters Luca Williams-Barnett, Mikey Moore, and Dane Scarlett were among those introduced, alongside experienced players Richarlison and Dubravka.

The changes gave MK Dons more possession and attacking intent, but Tottenham’s defence, led by an assured Malachi Hardy, held firm to keep them at bay.

Both teams found the net in the second half, only for the goals to be disallowed. Richarlison’s clever chipped finish was ruled out for offside, while a Dons goal from a corner was cancelled out due to a foul on Dubravka.

Although MK Dons dominated possession in the latter stages, Spurs had two clear chances to seal the win. Richarlison forced a comfortable save from MacGillivray with a close-range effort, before Yang Min-Hyeok missed an open goal after a brilliant through ball from Williams-Barnett.

Dubravka, making his debut for his eighth senior club, capped off the day with a fine save ten minutes from time, tipping away a powerful header to preserve the clean sheet and round off an encouraging outing for Tottenham’s newcomers.