Fernandes scores on Spurs debut in 1-0 pre-season win over MK Dons

Photo: SOCCER DIGITAL / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Mateus Fernandes marked his first appearance for Tottenham Hotspur with a goal in the fourth minute as Spurs beat MK Dons 1-0 at Hotspur Way on Wednesday evening. The result opened the club's pre-season programme, exactly one month before their Premier League opener at Brentford.

Fernandes, signed from West Ham this summer, connected with a Mathys Tel corner that goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray could only punch clear, volleying back into the net off the inside of the post. It was the only goal of the match against a well-organised League One side operating in a 5-4-1 system.

The Portuguese midfielder lined up in a midfield three alongside fellow summer arrival Sandro Tonali and Conor Gallagher in the first half. Spurs controlled possession throughout but clear-cut chances were limited, with MacGillivray also denying Dominic Solanke before Fernandes' strike and saving with his feet from Manor Solomon.

Manager Robert De Zerbi changed all 11 players at half-time. Martin Dubravka made his first appearance for the club in the second period, as did several academy players. Richarlison had a finish ruled out for offside and Mikey Moore saw a goalbound effort blocked.

MK Dons' best opportunity came late when Dubravka tipped over a Ben Wiles header from 10 yards.

Ben Davies made a welcome return to action, having been out since January. Kota Takai and Manor Solomon also featured after loan spells last season.

The squad will now travel to Auckland, New Zealand, for the first leg of their pre-season tour, facing Auckland at Eden Park in the early hours of Sunday morning (4am UK time).