Three Minutes In, Job Basically Done
Didn’t take long here. Tottenham opened pre-season with a 1-0 win over MK Dons at Hotspur Way, and the goal came from about the best possible source — new boy Mateus Fernandes, three minutes on the clock, barely touched the ball before that, and he smashed in a volley that deserved way more than a behind-closed-doors friendly.
De Zerbi went with a strong side to start. Tonali and Fernandes both got the nod, front line of Solomon, Gallagher, Tel and Solanke ahead of them, and it showed almost right away. Fernandes’ goal set the tone and Spurs never really let go from there — close to 70% of the ball in the first half, 4-1 on shots, three on target to MK Dons’ zero, four corners to nothing. Tonali did the unglamorous stuff too, cutting out a Dons counter with a smart professional foul at one point.
MK Dons Dig In, Spurs See It Out
Fair play to MK Dons though. Third pre-season game of the summer for them, up against a Premier League side missing a good chunk of its senior squad, and they didn’t just roll over. Second half was a different story — won more duels, forced six corners, got three shots on target after the break. Genuinely better half for them. Just couldn’t find the goal, and Tottenham managed it out fine, rotating 21 players across the ninety while De Zerbi got a proper look at the depth of his squad.
What It Means Next
Good way to kick off the season, and a proper eye-catching first appearance for Fernandes, who didn’t come cheap and answered any doubts inside three minutes. Tonali impressed too, so did new keeper Martin Dubravka on his own debut. Spurs are off to Auckland next, then Sydney, then a proper test against Chelsea out in Australia in a couple weeks. MK Dons head back to their own pre-season prep before the League One season starts.
Match Summary
Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons Club Friendly — Hotspur Way, London Wednesday, 22 July 2026 Referee: Logan Maxwell
Goal: 3′ Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham) 1-0
Stats: Tottenham led 70% possession, 4-1 shots and 4-0 corners in the first half alone.
Result: Tottenham open pre-season with a 1-0 win. MK Dons improved after the break but couldn’t find an equaliser.
For live pre-season friendly scores and coverage, visit fawanews. Full results and fixtures at the official Tottenham Hotspur website.
