LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur began their preseason campaign with a 1-0 victory over MK Dons as new signing Mateus Fernandes scored the decisive goal on his debut to give manager Roberto De Zerbi a winning start.
Fernandes made an immediate impact by producing a spectacular first-time volley less than three minutes into the match, converting a clearance from a Mathys Tel corner with a strike that bounced in off the post.
The goal proved enough to separate the two sides in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Hotspur Way, where several of Tottenham’s new arrivals were handed their first appearances for the club.
Fernandes was among a number of debutants, alongside Sandro Tonali and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, as De Zerbi assessed his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Tottenham started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within seconds when Dominic Solanke was denied by MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray before Fernandes broke the deadlock moments later.
The home side controlled much of the first half, with Fernandes combining effectively in midfield alongside Tonali and Conor Gallagher.
Archie Gray also delivered a composed display, while Manor Solomon impressed after returning from a loan spell, providing attacking width on the right flank.
Rio Kyrematen offered a lively presence on the opposite wing as Tottenham continued to create opportunities despite a disciplined defensive performance from the visitors.
MK Dons struggled to threaten going forward during the opening period, with Tottenham defenders Kota Takai and Ben Davies dealing comfortably with the limited attacking opportunities.
De Zerbi made sweeping changes at halftime, introducing 10 new outfield players as he continued to evaluate his squad during the preseason fixture.
Young prospects Luca Williams-Barnett, Mikey Moore and Dane Scarlett were among those introduced, alongside experienced forward Richarlison and debutant goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The changes allowed MK Dons to enjoy more possession during the second half, although Tottenham remained organised defensively and limited the visitors to few clear scoring opportunities.
Both teams had goals disallowed after the interval.
Richarlison thought he had doubled Tottenham’s advantage with a delicate finish before the effort was ruled out for offside, while MK Dons also saw a goal from a corner cancelled for a foul on Dubravka.
Tottenham created further chances to extend their lead late in the match, with Richarlison forcing another save from MacGillivray before Yang Min-Hyeok missed an opportunity to score after being set up by Williams-Barnett.
Dubravka also made an important contribution during his first appearance for the club, producing a sharp save from a headed effort to preserve Tottenham’s clean sheet.
The victory gives De Zerbi an encouraging start as Tottenham continue preparations for the new campaign, with the manager expected to use the coming weeks to integrate new signings and assess young players before the Premier League season begins.
