View: Brennan Johnson shines on his Tottenham debut against Sheffield United with 100 per cent stat
Brennan Johnson came off the bench to make his debut for Tottenham during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (16 September).
As Johnson prepared to come off the bench with little time remaining and his side staring down the barrel of a shock defeat, he was probably left fearing the worst. No player wants to make his debut in a loss at home, much less against a winless side this season.
Yet, at the same time, he had an opportunity, an opportunity to help his new club turn their fortunes around and make himself an instant hero. And while he didn’t do that directly, he certainly changed the game and was part of a truly memorable Premier League comeback. Now that is the way to make your debut.
Before Richarlison’s equaliser and Dejan Kulusevski’s eventual winner, Johnson thought he had scored himself. Just moments after coming onto the pitch, he took a long ball forward down with an excellent first touch and lifted it over Wes Foderingham and into the net. It was a Dele Alli-esque goal from years prior but, unfortunately, it was ruled out by the linesman’s flag for offside.
As well as a goal, he was also perhaps robbed of an assist on his debut, when he won the ball back in the box and squared it for Ivan Perisic. Johnson had been adjudged to have made a foul in the build-up, with the decision seeming soft.
Despite these unfortunate moments, it was still a debut to remember. The 22-year-old forward completed 100 per cent of his passes after coming on, with one of them being key, and provided one accurate cross into the box. He also won a ground duel and drew a foul for the team (Sofascore).
Although it was Kulusevski who got the winner, he might now be looking over his shoulder after Johnson’s impressive first appearance. The Swede hasn’t been in the greatest form this season, scoring just twice in five games, and although it is unlikely he will be dropped after his showing against the Blades, a couple of sloppy performances could see his new competition breathing down his neck.
In other Tottenham news, one defender struggled for the club against Sheffield United.