Tottenham: Brennan Johnson back on track after what he did for Wales on Thursday
Tottenham star Brennan Johnson will be full of confidence after his goalscoring exploits for Wales.
Johnson has had a mixed debut season in North London following his £47.5million switch from Nottingham Forest on deadline day (Sky Sports News, 2 September).
At times he has been brilliant, with four goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League this season.
But at other times he has let Ange Postecoglou down as he has struggled to maintain a consistent run of form.
However, the Australian will be hopeful that the 22-year-old returns to Hotspur Way next week full of confidence after the winger got on the scoresheet as Wales thrashed Finland 4-1 (21 March) to set up a UEFA Euro 2024 play-off final with Poland at the Cardiff City Stadium next Tuesday (26 March).
With the score at 2-1, Johnson restored Wales’ two-goal cushion to ease some nerves and move his nation one step closer to a place at this summer’s showpiece tournament in Germany.
His goal left BBC Sport pundit Helen Ward blown away, as she said on BBC Radio Wales (via TBR Football, 22 March), “Wow, wow, wow”.
“Rob Page will be chuffed with that. Brennan Johnson in the right place to turn it home.”
Brennan Johnson must bring his Wales form back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Ange Postecoglou
Johnson’s goal was a massive one for his country, as it all but confirmed a vital victory which put the Red Dragons within 90 minutes of their third consecutive European Championships.
And it wasn’t just Johnson’s goal which was impressive.
As per Sofascore, the forward chipped in elsewhere, completing 83 per cent of his passes with one of those proving to be key.
He struggled ever so slightly defensively as he won just two of his five ground duels, but he also won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, won two fouls for his team and made one clearance.
He was involved in two of Wales’ other goals as well, playing a one-two with Harry Wilson in the buildup to the first goal, and winning the free-kick which Neco Williams scored from to double Wales’ advantage.
Ben Davies was another of three Spurs players who lined up for Wales, but struggled ever so slightly as he was dribbled past, failed to play an accurate long ball forward from three attempts and won just one of his three ground duels.
Meanwhile, Joe Rodon looked rock solid at the back, as the on-loan Leeds United man made three clearances, three tackles and won 100 per cent of his ground duels.
He also completed 94 per cent of his passes and blocked one shot as he continued his impressive run of form.
But Johnson will be the man who Postecoglou was most focussed on as he looks to get the best out of his big-money signing back in North London.
With a fierce race for the UEFA Champions League on Spurs’ agenda, Postecoglou will be keen for Johnson to bring his goalscoring form back to England.
For now, all focus will be on Wales’ play-off final next Tuesday, and if Johnson can play a big part in that huge clash, his confidence could skyrocket.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou will have cause for concern after another international Spurs star was involved in a chaotic incident on Thursday.
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