Tottenham beat MK Dons 1-0 in preseason friendly

Tottenham Hotspur began their preseason preparations with a 1-0 victory over League One side MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their Hotspur Way training ground on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The match was decided by a spectacular early goal from new signing Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder, a reported £85 million arrival from West Ham, needed just three minutes to make his mark. He met a half-cleared corner with a first-time volley from the edge of the area, the strike flying into the top-right corner. Fernandes described it afterwards as the best goal of his career by a mile.

Fernandes started in a new-look midfield alongside fellow debutant Sandro Tonali, who joined from Newcastle United in a deal that could rise to £100 million, and Conor Gallagher. The trio controlled the first half, with manager Roberto De Zerbi making 11 changes at the interval. Despite the wholesale substitutions, Tottenham could not add to their lead in the second half.

Speaking after the match, Fernandes expressed his ambition for the season ahead, stating he wanted to improve his goal and assist output. He emphasized the team's collective focus under De Zerbi, saying the squad...