Milton Keynes Dons were held to a 1-0 defeat by Tottenham in a pre-season friendly at Hotspur Way on Thursday, with new Spurs signing Mateus Fernandes scoring the only goal of the game.
What went down in the match?
Tottenham kicked off their pre-season with a narrow victory over League One newcomers Milton Keynes Dons. Fernandes, who arrived from West Ham for £85 million, struck after just three minutes. The Portugal international controlled a high ball cleared at a corner and smashed a first-time volley past the MK Dons goalkeeper from outside the box.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side used 21 players across the 90 minutes, with several first-team regulars missing. The MK Dons, who finished 2nd in League Two last season with 86 points, now turn their focus to their own pre-season build-up.
How did Spurs’ new faces fare?
Fernandes’ early strike was the highlight, with the midfielder calling it the best goal of his career. His forward passing stood out, even if not every attempt found its target. Sandro Tonali, who joined for £100 million from Newcastle, played alongside Fernandes and provided defensive cover, including cynically stopping an MK Dons counter-attack for a free-kick.
Martin Dubravka, the 37-year-old free-agent goalkeeper, came on at half-time and made a string of sharp saves. His debut suggested he could be a shrewd addition as cover for Antonin Kinsky, who started and looked assured with the ball.
What does this result mean for MK Dons?
The friendly offered limited clues about MK Dons’ League One readiness, but it did serve as a useful early test against top-flight opposition. The club’s recent form has been strong, with three wins and two draws in their last five matches (DDWWW), leaving them unbeaten in that run. They finished 2nd in League Two last season on 86 points, just a point behind Bromley, with a goal difference of +41.
Their last competitive match came on May 2, 2026, when they drew 1-1 at Fleetwood Town. The pre-season window gives the manager plenty of time to assess squad depth ahead of the League One opener.
When do both teams play next?
Tottenham head to New Zealand and Australia for their pre-season tour, where Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke are set to make their debuts. MK Dons, meanwhile, will continue their own preparations for a League One campaign that will pit them against former Premier League sides and established third-tier outfits.
