From villain to hero at Hotspur Way: Brennan Johnson
Early in the season, Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson found himself at the centre of a storm. Criticised harshly for his lack of goal contributions in the matches against Leicester City, Everton, Newcastle, and Arsenal, he was subjected to relentless abuse on social media.
Johnson’s start to the season was, let’s be honest, pretty grim. No goals, no assists, and everyone was wondering if he was even Spurs quality. That game against Arsenal was the worst of the lot. Missed chances galore, and we ended up losing 1-0. The fans were fuming, and social media was having a right go at him. People were calling for him to be dropped, and it looked like he was in for a long season.
Despite showing flashes of his potential, he failed to register any goals or assists in key matches. Add this to the fact that his first season at Hotspur Way last term only ended with five goals and ten assists in 38 appearances. It also made fans that extra bit frustrated with how things were going with the Welshman at the club.
His performance against Arsenal was a low point, where his missed chances were a significant factor in the team’s 1-0 loss. The backlash on social media was swift and brutal, with fans questioning his place in the squad and his future at the club.
The BIG change?
Fast forward three weeks from that difficult period, and Johnson has transformed into Ange Postecoglou’s go-to man, with six goals in his last six games. This remarkable turnaround has fans and pundits alike asking: what changed?
The catalyst for Johnson’s resurgence came from a seemingly simple yet profound change: he deleted his Instagram account. By removing himself from the constant stream of negativity and criticism, Johnson was able to focus entirely on his game. This decision allowed him to block out the external noise and obviously, to concentrate on improving his performance on the pitch. The results have been nothing short of spectacular.
Since that turning point, Bren has scored six goals in six games (Coventry, Brentford, Qarabag, Man United, Ferencvaros and Brighton). His six-game goal-scoring streak is reminiscent of club legend Harry Kane, who achieved similar runs in the 2018/19 and 2015 seasons. Johnson’s ability to find the back of the net has provided a much-needed boost to Tottenham’s attacking options and has reignited the team’s offensive prowess.
Johnson’s not just about goals either. His defensive work has been top-notch. He’s pressing high, winning back possession, and disrupting the opposition. This side of his game has been crucial for us, helping us control matches and keep the pressure on the other teams.
Take the game against Manchester United, for instance. Johnson was absolutely class. He was all over the pitch, causing their defence nightmares. Scored a beauty and played with so much confidence. It was like watching a different player from the one we saw earlier in the season. He was pressing, creating chances, and just looked like he was having the time of his life out there.
All-round work!
But it’s not just about the goals. Johnson’s work rate has been something else. He’s tracking back, helping out defensively, and just putting in a shift every game. His determination and attitude have been spot-on, and it’s clear he’s out to prove a point. The lad’s got grit, and it’s making a difference.
With his recent form, Johnson’s etched his name in the Spurs record books. Scoring in six consecutive starts? That’s no mean feat. Only Harry Kane’s done that for us in recent years. It’s not just a purple patch; it surely shows he’s got the quality and consistency to be a top player for us. Teddy Sheringham and Clive Allen done it in the past, but that’s just a few years after the Stone Age.
We’ve got to give a shoutout to Ange Postecoglou here too. The gaffer also did not get carried away by the sad run of form early on in the season. He’s stuck by Johnson, given him the freedom to play his game, and it’s paying off. Ange’s attacking style suits Johnson down to the ground, and it’s brought out the best in him. The gaffer’s faith in him has certainly been crucial.
Consistency is key!
Johnson doing his bits for Wales will help his confidence no end. With the international break dawning upon us, we have to speak of that angle as well. Johnson scoring and playing well on the international stage will give him that extra boost. When he comes back to Spurs after international duty, he’d then be buzzing and ready to go. It will all add up nicely for him.
At just 23, Johnson’s got a bright future ahead. If he keeps this up, he could be a world-class player in the making. Consistency will be key, but the player has shown he’s got the talent and mentality to go far. The fans are behind him now, and as long as he keeps delivering, he’ll be a fan favourite.
It’s all about keeping up this level of performance. The season’s long, and there’ll be ups and downs. He can handle it, though, as evident by his performances in recent weeks. Staying focused, working hard, and ignoring the noise will be vital. The fans and the manager’s support will help him stay on track.