'Brilliant': Gary Neville shares what he noticed about Brennan Johnson just before he put Spurs 1-0 up v Man U
Today at 01:15 PM
Brennan Johnson continued to silence his doubters as Tottenham clashed with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Wales international was heavily criticised for his display in the recent 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, with Jamie O’Hara particularly scathing of Johnson in the aftermath of that north London derby.
However, the Tottenham No.22 has reacted admirably, scoring three goals in his next three games as Spurs secured wins over Brentford, Coventry and Qarabag.
After Brennan Johnson made it four in four in just the third minute of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United – thanks to a stunning assist from Micky van de Ven – Gary Neville pointed out something noteworthy…
Gary Neville spotted Brennan Johnson beaming as Micky van de Ven surged through
The 23-year-old did not seem to be enjoying his football one bit just a matter of weeks ago.
In fact, Johnson even deleted his Instagram account after receiving abuse for his quiet performances.
However, the man from Nottingham appears to be loving life at the moment, as Neville spotted the forward smiling in delight before he had even slotted the ball beyond Andre Onana.
Speaking on commentary duty for Sky Sports, the 49-year-old said: “Absolutely brilliant and devastating from Van de Ven and Spurs. He (Johnson) is smiling before he puts it in the net.”
No surprise there – the Nottingham Forest academy graduate was all too aware that the Netherlands international had put a fourth goal in four games on a plate for him.
Johnson almost made it 2-0 just moments later, only to be denied by the post.
Ange Postecoglou will love what Tottenham fans chanted at Old Trafford
Ange Postecoglou praised Johnson for his efforts in training after the recent onslaught of abuse, and the Australian will have loved what Spurs supporters chanted from the away end at Old Trafford.
Fans could be heard shouting “there’s only one Brennan Johnson” after the youngster fired Tottenham ahead, which will surely do his confidence the world of good.
Nowadays, a lot of players often sink rather than swim when up against criticism – Marcus Rashford is an example of this, having scored just eight goals in 43 appearances last season.
Therefore, Johnson deserves huge credit for rolling up his sleeves and working hard to turn things around, when it would have been easy to mope around and feel sorry for himself.
