Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur ease past MK Dons 2-0 in pre-season opener

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their 2026-27 pre-season slate with a 2-0 win over League One side MK Dons on 22 July 2026. Michael Moore and Callum Paterson struck before the break to settle the contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

How did Spurs fare against MK Dons?

Spurs controlled the early exchanges, with Moore blazing over in the 12th minute. Paterson then broke the deadlock in the 28th, firing low past Conor MacGillivray after a quick transition. MK Dons managed just three shots on target all night, while Spurs managed two but converted both clear chances.

Substitutes turned the game after half-time. Jake Matete came on at the interval and doubled the lead inside 12 minutes, slotting home from close range. Ben Wiles, Mason Ekpiteta, Ethan Boateng, Jack Burke and Bright Enobakhare all featured off the bench, with the latter nearly adding a late third.

What the result signals for Conte’s project

A friendly win carries limited weight, but Spurs showed encouraging signs under Antonio Conte. The backline, led by Chris Goode and Miles Hardy, stayed compact despite limited minutes. Matt Doherty and Destiny Udogie pushed high, while Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero formed a steady defensive duo.

Up top, Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min linked effectively, though neither troubled the scoreboard. The midfield trio of Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg dictated play, combining for 68 accurate passes. Martin Dúbravka made three saves, including a sharp reaction stop to deny a late effort.

Next steps for Spurs in pre-season

Conte will use the remaining friendlies to test fringe players and integrate new arrivals. The next match, against a Championship side on 26 July, will offer another fitness and cohesion check. With European football around the corner, every minute matters.

Key takeaways: Spurs’ attack looks fluid, the defence looks organised, and the squad’s depth is clear. The real test arrives when competitive football returns in August.