Mateus Fernandes marked his Tottenham debut with a stunning winner as Roberto De Zerbi’s side beat MK Dons 1-0 at Hotspur Way. The summer signing needed only three minutes to make his first impact in a Spurs shirt.
Mathys Tel delivered a corner which goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray punched towards the edge of the penalty area. Fernandes met the clearance with a powerful volley which struck the inside of the post before crossing the line.
Tottenham shared footage of Fernandes’ superb opening goal, which ultimately proved enough to settle the behind-closed-doors friendly. The strike offered an early glimpse of the midfielder’s technical quality and confidence.
Fernandes started alongside fellow new arrival Sandro Tonali and Conor Gallagher. Spurs controlled possession against MK Dons’ compact defensive shape, although clear chances were limited.
Mateus Fernandes debut gives De Zerbi early encouragement
Dominic Solanke and Manor Solomon were both denied by MacGillivray during the first half. Gallagher also came close to converting Tel’s cross after Tonali opened the defence with a clever pass.
De Zerbi changed his entire side at half-time, allowing Martin Dubravka to make his first Tottenham appearance. Richarlison had a goal disallowed before seeing another effort saved, while Mikey Moore and Yang Min-hyeok also threatened.
Dubravka preserved the victory with an excellent late save from Ben Wiles. The result gave De Zerbi a winning start to pre-season, one month before Tottenham open their Premier League campaign against Brentford.
ReadTottenham had highlighted the prospect of Fernandes and Tonali making their debuts before both midfielders started at Hotspur Way. Fernandes ensured the first appearance belonged to him with a goal worthy of winning any match.
Tottenham will now travel to New Zealand for the first stage of their overseas tour. They face Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday, with Fernandes pushing to retain his place in De Zerbi’s midfield.
