Tottenham: 0% Brennan Johnson must step up after ‘dead honest’ Alan Brazil criticism
Alan Brazil has called on Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner to do more under Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham drew 1-1 with West Ham at the London Stadium.
Both wingers have come in for some criticism this season after several frustrating performances and results and must take the step up soon to help the push for Champions League qualification.
Johnson had recently appeared to take a step up for Spurs after his impressive display against Luton earned him high praise, but the latest criticism shows there is still room for improvement.
Despite the two linking up for the opening goal – Werner providing the assist for Johnson to score – Brazil was not impressed by their performances and called for both players to give more to the team.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [06:40], Brazil shared: “Was I over the moon with Spurs yesterday against West Ham? I’m not sure. If I’m being dead honest, the two wide players have got to do a lot more for me. I know they made the first goal but, for me, no.”
Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner must step up for Tottenham
It is, of course, important to note that the opening goal came from the combination of the wingers, with their assist and goal proving crucial to the final score despite otherwise disappointing showings, but with 0.44 xG and 0.71 xA combined, their threat was lacking. [Sofascore]
The goal from Johnson in the fifth minute came from his only shot on target in the game, seeing the other attempt blocked, as he also failed to complete a single one of his four crosses at a zero per cent accuracy, as well as recording a zero per cent long pass accuracy.
His ball retention elsewhere failed to impress either, with a low 74 per cent passing accuracy, losing possession 17 times, giving away one foul and winning just 33 per cent of his duels.
Werner was no more impressive in possession with his 70 per cent passing accuracy as his assist came from his only key pass of the game. He gave the ball away eight times and failed to make the difference going forward.
With zero crosses attempted and aerial duels won there were key gaps in his play, while he only recorded one shot in his 83 minutes on the pitch, seeing it blocked and therefore recording a zero per cent shot accuracy.
Both players have already been told this season that they need to be more effective and clinical in front of goal despite some impressive performances both from Johnson and Werner, recording just seven goals between them in a combined 34 games.
Despite their contributions against West Ham, the attacking pair need to step up to keep Spurs’ Champions League hopes alive.
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