Mikey Moore Shines as Tottenham Defeats Hoffenheim 3-0
Mikey Moore did not look like a teenager wondering where he’ll be playing his football this season. He looked like Tottenham’s sharpest weapon.
The 19-year-old struck twice in the second half as Spurs eased past Hoffenheim 3-0 in their first home outing since scrambling clear of relegation in May. Richarlison had already set the tone with a crisp first-half finish from an Andy Robertson cross, and from there Roberto De Zerbi’s side never really loosened their grip.
It is only pre-season. But it did not feel like “only” anything inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Moore answers the question
All week, Moore’s name has been tied to Cologne and a Bundesliga loan that was described as virtually done. That move is now on hold, and he played like a man determined to complicate every conversation about his future.
His first goal was simple. The celebration was not. Arriving in the box, he slid in to meet a low ball from Mathys Tel and turned it home, then barely reacted. A muted acknowledgement, as if he knew this was only the start of his argument to stay.
The second told the rest of the story. Again Tel found him, again the teenager timed his run, this time finishing with a deft touch that drew a far more honest, joyous reaction. Arms out, grin wide. This one meant something.
De Zerbi now has a genuine decision to make. The academy graduate still does not know where he will spend the coming season. Performances like this force a manager to think twice before signing off any paperwork.
Bergvall plays like he’s staying
Moore was not the only uncertain piece of Tottenham’s puzzle to shine.
Two months ago, Lucas Bergvall looked closer to the exit than the starting XI. Newcastle and Nottingham Forest circled, sensing an opportunity around his frustration at a lack of minutes.
De Zerbi met those concerns head-on and made it clear he wanted the Swede in his plans. Pre-season has backed up those words. Bergvall has played regularly, and against Hoffenheim he looked like a midfielder who has taken his coach at his word.
He moved the ball with purpose, pressed with intent, and knitted together attacks in a way that will have encouraged the staff watching from the dugout. Whether the transfer window respects that is another matter, but on this evidence Tottenham would be taking a risk by letting him go.
Robertson wastes no time
On the left flank, Andy Robertson looked like a man who has not come to London to wind down his career.
He left Liverpool in search of more game time. Spurs already look ready to give it to him. The Scotland international dominated his side of the pitch, hitting cross after cross into dangerous areas and finally landing the perfect one for the opener.
Richarlison did the rest, darting across his marker to meet Robertson’s pinpoint delivery and sweep in the first goal. It was the sort of combination that instantly feels repeatable.
Robertson’s arrival was hailed as a dressing-room signing, a serial winner to raise standards. Against Hoffenheim, he reminded everyone that his left foot remains a serious on-field weapon too.
With Destiny Udogie yet to feature in pre-season and questions hanging over the Italy international’s fitness, Robertson has walked straight into the vacancy. On this form, he is not just covering. He is claiming the shirt.
At 32, and nine years older than Udogie, he suddenly looks odds-on to start at Brentford on the opening weekend. Dislodging him will not be straightforward.
Kinsky slams the door shut
At the other end, Antonin Kinsky quietly underlined a very loud point: the No 1 spot is his now.
The 23-year-old produced a string of important saves to preserve the clean sheet, shutting down Hoffenheim’s few threatening moments and reading the game with the assurance of a keeper who finally believes he belongs.
Crosses? Claimed. Shots from range? Beaten away. Back-passes under pressure? Used to start moves rather than end them. His comfort on the ball fits De Zerbi’s demands perfectly.
Seven months ago, his nightmare in Madrid raised doubts over whether he was ready for this level. This performance, and his broader pre-season form, have flipped that narrative. Guglielmo Vicario was nowhere to be seen, with Juventus watching his situation closely, and Kinsky has taken full advantage.
Right now, there is no debate. He is Tottenham’s first choice on merit.
New faces, missing pieces
Four summer signings – Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Sensi – all stepped out at home for the first time. The result keeps Spurs unbeaten in pre-season and gives their supporters a glimpse of a new spine forming under De Zerbi.
Not everyone was there to see it through. Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Mateus Fernandes were among the notable absentees, their omissions a reminder that this squad is still incomplete, still waiting to be stitched together properly.
Those gaps add extra intrigue to what comes next.
Same opponent, different test
The two clubs will do it all again on Sunday, this time away from the cameras in a behind-closed-doors game at the training ground. Spurs fans will hope some of the missing names reappear, even if only briefly, before the real thing starts.
Because the real thing is close now. Brentford away. Premier League football back under the lights, live on television, the noise and pressure cranked up several levels.
Tottenham escaped the drop last season. They are trying to escape that identity now. If Moore keeps scoring, Robertson keeps hitting those crosses and Kinsky keeps the door bolted, how quickly does the conversation around this team change?
