Mikey Moore delivered a standout performance by netting two goals in Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 triumph over German side Hoffenheim at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the pre‑season campaign. The 19‑year‑old striker found the back of the net twice in the second half, both times finishing off precise deliveries from fellow youngster Mathys Tel. The opening goal came in the first half when Richarlison capitalised on a low, curling cross from new signing Andy Robertson to give the home side an early lead.
The match also marked the home debuts of four of Roberto De Zerbi's summer acquisitions – Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi – all of whom featured in the comfortable win that has kept Spurs unbeaten throughout the pre‑season schedule. Despite the positive result, several key players were missing from the squad, including centre‑back Micky van de Ven, attacking midfielder James Maddison and midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who were all unavailable for selection.
Supporters will be eager to see whether these absentees can be reintegrated for the final pre‑season fixture, a behind‑closed‑doors encounter against Hoffenheim scheduled at the club's training ground on Sunday. That game will provide a final opportunity for De Zerbi to fine‑tune his line‑up before the Premier League campaign kicks off. In other news, Tottenham will travel to Brentford for their opening league match next Saturday, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans with a Sky subscription can watch via the Sky Sports app, while those without a subscription are offered a flexible, contract‑free viewing option.
Sky Sports also produced a detailed analysis of Spurs' pre‑season performance against Hoffenheim, noting that two players who had been linked with potential departures impressed with their contributions. Moore, who was on the brink of a loan move to Bundesliga club Cologne, instead showcased his talent with a two‑goal haul that will give De Zerbi plenty to consider when planning the squad for the upcoming season. His first celebration was modest – a quick tap on Tel's cross – while his second saw a more exuberant reaction after neatly finishing another Tel pass.
The future of the academy graduate remains uncertain, as the club has not yet confirmed his destination for the new campaign. Meanwhile, midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who attracted interest from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest earlier in the summer, appears to be on the verge of a decision regarding his Tottenham future.
De Zerbi has publicly stated his desire to retain Bergvall, emphasizing that the player’s concerns about limited playing time have been addressed. Bergvall has featured regularly in the pre‑season fixtures, and his performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should reassure the manager of his value to the squad.
Andy Robertson, the Scottish left‑back who left Liverpool seeking more regular minutes, has already begun to reap the benefits of his move. In the Hoffenheim game, Robertson was a constant threat down the flank, delivering a series of accurate crosses, one of which found Richarlison for the opening goal. His arrival was hailed as a significant boost to the dressing‑room atmosphere, bringing a wealth of experience and a winning mentality. With fellow left‑back Destiny Udogie still yet to feature in pre‑season and concerns lingering over the Italian international's fitness, Robertson has seized the opportunity to cement his place.
The 32‑year‑old’s performances suggest he is likely to start the Premier League opener against Brentford, potentially making it difficult for the younger Udogie to displace him. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinský also played a pivotal role, keeping a clean sheet with several crucial saves that denied Hoffenheim any chance of a comeback.
His command of the penalty area, confidence in dealing with crosses, and composure with the ball at his feet underline why he has been installed as De Zerbi’s first‑choice keeper. This marks a remarkable turnaround for the 23‑year‑old, who endured a difficult outing in Madrid seven months prior.
Kinský’s form has earned him the starting role over Guglielmo Vicario, who was absent from the match as Juventus reportedly expressed interest in the Italian shot‑stopper. The pre‑season itinerary for Tottenham this summer has been extensive, featuring matches across multiple continents. Highlights include a 1-0 victory over MK Dons at the training ground on July 22, a 2-0 win against Auckland FC on July 26, a dramatic 1-1 draw with Sydney FC on July 29 that was settled 4-2 on penalties, a 2-1 triumph over Chelsea in Sydney on August 1, and a 1-1 stalemate with Getafe at the training ground on August 8 (a 70‑minute behind‑closed‑doors game).
The successful 3-0 win over Hoffenheim on August 15 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was followed by a second, private fixture against the same German side on August 16, scheduled for 12 p.m. at the club’s training facility. Overall, the pre‑season results have provided De Zerbi with valuable insights into his squad’s strengths and areas for improvement.
The performances of Moore, Robertson, Kinský and the new signings suggest that Tottenham possess a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise that could translate into a competitive Premier League campaign. As the club approaches its first competitive match, fans will be watching closely to see how the manager integrates his new arrivals, manages the return of key players, and finalises tactics ahead of the season opener.