Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons: Spurs’ winning start to pre-season tested as Mateus Fernandes hits designer | Football news

Tottenham got their pre-season off to a flying start with a 1-0 win over newly promoted League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way.

The win came courtesy of a stunning goal from Spurs’ new player Mateus Fernandes.

He was one of three summer arrivals who were tipped as Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi used 21 players in 90 minutes.

Here, Sky Sports previews Spurs’ first pre-season friendly…

Fernandes shines

“It was my favorite goal of my career by a mile.”

Just three minutes into his Spurs debut, Fernandes made a dream come true in north London.

The midfielder, who joined from West Ham for £85m, cleverly kept his eye on a high ball from a corner to beat the first-timer from the edge of the box to give Spurs an early lead.

What a way to introduce himself to the Spurs fans, whose excitement will have been heightened by watching his 45-minute display before being brought off as part of De Zerbi’s half-hour changes.

The Portuguese made his debut as a club record signing for £100m Sandro Tonali on a double pivot as Spurs’ £185m new midfielder duo gave De Zerbi’s side complete control.

Fernandes’ willingness to play forward passes, which did not always come off, was good considering the lack of creativity last season.

Tonali and Dubravka make strong debuts

Fernandes may have partnered in midfield with Tonali, but the Italian kept things afloat in midfield.

When he and Fernandes were replaced at half-time, Spurs lost their grip on the game.

There was still more to come from Tonali, who provided the steel alongside Fernandes’ brilliance, including one incident where he came back to cynically stop an MK Dons attack with a free-kick.

The third summer signing was introduced during the goalkeeper’s break Martin Dubravka – and she was very beautiful.

The 37-year-old defied his age with a brilliant display of skill to keep MK Dons’ head to head.

Dubravka looks like a good piece of free transfer business as a capable back-up for number one, Antonin Kinskywho started the game and looked sure with the ball at his feet.

A lot of those who were not in the win

The promotion of Kinsky as first choice and the arrival of Dubravka put it Photo by Guglielmo Vicario the future with great doubts, and it was not surprising to see Juventus and Napoli target lost against MK Dons.

His Italian counterpart abroad, Destiny Udogiehe wasn’t there either, but Spurs’ first-choice left-back was part of the crowd watching the game.

Summer signing Andy Robertson again Jan Paul van Hecke they were among those who were on the sidelines, and they were the first to wait.

They just came back from the World Cup as they did Micky van de Ven again Lucas Bergvallwho can be seen watching with them James Maddison.

But with Sky Sports News understanding Bergvall wants to leave the club this summer, his pre-season game will be on the watch amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

There was no sign Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons or Wilson Odobert as they continue to recover from injury.

Youth kick

With a number of senior players absent, it gave the youngsters a chance to impress.

Mike Moorewho was recently loaned out to Rangers last season and who “wondered about his return”, caught the eye on the left and the 18-year-old will try to push his case ahead of the season to be part of De Zerbi’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Midfielder The Rio Kyerematen he was the only player to play the full 90 minutes as the 21-year-old, yet to make his first team debut, showed versatility filling in at left-back in the first half and right-back in the second.

But it was a fellow boy Luca Williams-Barnett who stood out among the youth of Spurs.

The attacking midfielder was slotted into a deeper role and showed great confidence and fearlessness.

The highlight was the 17-year-old’s passing Min-Hyeok Yangwho missed an open goal chance despite producing a wonderful touch around the keeper.

Williams-Barnett made only one first-team appearance last season, but on the evidence of this 45-minute display, he could force his way into De Zerbi’s plans.

After the summer sale of the academy following the exit of the Will Lankshear, Tynan Thompson again Alfie Devine at £34m, it was nice to see some of Spurs’ products catch the eye.

Williams-Barnett, Moore and Kyerematen will hope to be given further opportunities on Spurs’ tour of Australia and New Zealand as the north London side next face Auckland FC at 4am UK time on Sunday.

Spurs preseason schedule

July 22: Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons – Spurs training ground
Sunday: Tottenham vs Auckland FC – Auckland, 4am (UK time)
July 29: Tottenham vs Sydney FC – Sydney, 10.45am (UK time)
August 1: Tottenham vs Chelsea – Sydney, 10.45am (UK time)
August 8: Tottenham vs Getafe – Spurs training ground (behind closed doors), 3pm
August 15: Tottenham vs Hoffenheim – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 3pm
August 16: Tottenham vs Hoffenheim – Spurs training ground (behind closed doors), 12pm