Mateus Fernandes scored a screamer which saw Tottenham claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against MK Dons to open their Pre-Season campaign under Roberto de Zerbi.
Spurs officially got their pre-season preparations underway for the upcoming campaign for the 2026/2027 season. The match was behind closed doors at the Hotspur Way training ground between both teams.
The fixture provided manager Roberto De Zerbi an ideal opportunity to test his squad’s fitness levels and integrate several high-profile summer signings that ended up making the difference.
It took only three minutes for new arrival Mateus Fernandes to make a statement and validate his substantial price tag move from West Ham United this summer.
Following a corner kick taken by Mathys Tel that was cleared toward the edge of the penalty area, the alert midfielder met the loose ball with a thunderous, right-footed volley that flew straight into the top corner.
The early wonder strike ultimately served as the decisive moment of the encounter. Aside from the goal, the opening period featured encouraging displays from both Fernandes and fellow debutant Sandro Tonali, who anchored the central midfield during the first 45 minutes.
De Zerbi completely changed his entire outfield lineup at the interval, swapping out all ten outfield players to give valuable minutes to the rest of the available group.
The second-half XI featured experienced international figures alongside emerging academy talent. Brazilian forward Richarlison thought he had doubled the lead after latching onto a precise through-ball from Jamie Donley, but his clever dinked finish was correctly chalked off for offside.
Youngster Luca Williams-Barnett also caught the eye during the second stanza, creating dangerous openings with sharp distribution, though the scoreline remained unchanged.
The encounter came to an end with Tottenham ensuring they secured a 1-0 victory against MK Dons. Despite the huge difference in quality between both teams, it was evident that the Premier League side still need to get some things right.
Spurs manager had so much to say about the team before the game today. Roberto de Zerbi said: “I feel very good because we are working well.
“I think we are building a very good team. I think we are building a very good team, with some very important new players, and we starting the project in another part of the history of the club.
“I spent a lot of time (understanding the club) before joining in April and I knew very well the ideas of the owner of the club and the plan was clear before the Everton game.
“Now we are inside (the project), we are excited with the idea to build a very strong team. Now we have to finish as it’s not finished yet, our transfer market, in and out, but at the moment I’m very happy, very proud and very positive.
“To build a soul, to build a new team with the qualities for sure but with soul, with passion, with all the values we have.
“Football now is not just on the pitch, it’s not just with the ball, it’s before in the private life, it’s how many hours during the day you think you’re doing your job and they have to be happy and proud to stay in Tottenham”.
With the opening friendly successfully navigated, the North London club is now turning its attention to an extensive international schedule which will be much tougher.
The squad is set to travel abroad for upcoming fixtures in Oceania and Asia as they continue building match fitness ahead of their Premier League opener.
