MK Dons 1-3 Tottenham: match notes and reactions - Cartilage Free Captain

Fun! That was probably the word best used to describe today’s Tottenham Hotspur friendly match at stadium:MK. Spurs started a fairly strong side with a couple of returning internationals getting involved, got goals from Son Heung-Min, Dele, and Lucas Moura, and rolled to a 3-1 win over League One side MK Dons.

My match notes aren’t the most detailed — the iPad was on under the desk at work — but here are a few reactions from what was a solid performance and... yes, FUN win.

Match reactions

• I was really hoping for a good performance from Dele in front of his old home fans (Dele was a product of the Dons academy) and he didn’t disappoint. He looked really, really solid out there today, both with the ball and creating for others. Losing Harry Kane would hurt, but if Kane goes, Dele is quite possibly the one who will benefit the most from it.
• The star of the match, however, was Steven Bergwijn. After a couple of pretty meh performances, Stevie came out like he ate his Wheaties. Really good with the ball going forward, created a number of chances. The only thing he didn’t do was score (and man, he really, REALLY should’ve).
• I’d like not to judge Matt Doherty on his first preseason action of the season, but I watched him get beat by League One wingers on a number of occasions on this match. And let’s be honest, the man has PRIORS, you know?
• We mentioned Dele and Steve already, but Sonny and Lucas were also very, very good today. Lucas in particular had his head up and was doing some really exciting things with the ball. Got an assist, too. It’s the hope that kills you with this guy, but boy was he fun today.
• Nile John and Oliver Skipp were both quiet for much of the first half, but Skippy woke up later on with some lovely long balls from deep. He’s exciting to watch and I look forward to seeing how he fits into this team going forward.
• Alfie Whiteman made a meal out of the penalty, but did really well to save the PK and had a few other really, really good stops. He’s got a touch of Hugo’s shot stopping ability in him. Whiteman makes me a touch nervous out there but I would be perfectly fine having him as our third keeper ahead of Joe Hart.
• Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to have an impressive preseason and hopefully his transfer fee has increased from it.
• The youngsters didn’t really stand out one way or the other when they came on late, and that’s fine.
• Spurs’ next match is a friendly on Wed. August 4 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in The Mind Series.

What else did you notice from this match? Put your match reports in the comments!

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MK Dons 1-3 Tottenham: match notes and reactions - Cartilage Free Captain
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