Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons: Spurs' winning start to pre-season assessed as Mateus Fernandes hits screamer
Tottenham Hotspur began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons at Hotspur Way. The match provided a platform for new signings to integrate into Roberto De Zerbi's setup, with 21 players participating throughout the 90 minutes.
New arrival Mateus Fernandes made an immediate impression, scoring a stunning volleyed winner just three minutes into his debut. The former West Ham midfielder showed technical composure, controlling a high clearance before striking cleanly from the edge of the box. His presence in the midfield, paired with fellow recruit Sandro Tonali, offered the side increased control during the first half.
Sandro Tonali and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also featured in their first outings for the club. Dubravka, who joined as an experienced option in goal, displayed sharp reflexes to deny a late MK Dons header. Meanwhile, Antonin Kinsky started the match and looked comfortable playing out from the back, adding internal competition for the goalkeeper position.
Several senior players were absent from the lineup, including Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, and Lucas Bergvall. Their time away from the training ground allowed younger talent to step forward. Specifically, 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett stood out for his vision, providing a notable pass for Min-Hyeok Yang, while 18-year-old Mikey Moore gained valuable minutes on the left flank.
Tottenham's focus now shifts to their upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. They are scheduled to face Auckland FC, Sydney FC, and Chelsea in the coming weeks. These fixtures will be crucial for the squad to sharpen their fitness levels before the competitive season gets underway.