11 February 2024 , 22:30
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Brennan Johnson has promised Tottenham fans that he is only getting started.
And with Spurs suddenly able to call on their full cast of attackers following injuries and international commitments, the £47.5m summer signing believes Ange Postecoglou’s team are about to hit new heights. Johnson fired home in the 96th minute to break Brighton hearts on Saturday, converting Son Heung-Min's low cross.
It was his third league goal of the season and the 22-year-old admits he has needed time to acclimatise since joining from Nottingham Forest. “I don’t think anyone has seen the best of me yet,” he said. I’ve had to adapt and take time and definitely there have been moments in the season where I haven’t been at my best. I’m just trying to kick on now.”
By extension the same is true for Spurs’ entire attacking unit, which was not at its sharpest against an unlucky Albion. Pascal Gross had put the visitors in front from the penalty spot and, after Pape Sarr equalised in the 61st minute, Brighton still had chances to score a winner of their own.
But Son came off the bench at the same time as Johnson in his first appearance since returning from the Asian Cup to set up the winner.
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Richarlison has stepped up in the South Korean’s absence, James Maddison is not long back from injury, Dejan Kulusevski is always dependable and loanee Timo Werner has added another dimension.
Johnson says “obviously people are going to be disappointed [when not starting]” but the increasing length of games has placed added importance on subs contributing.
“There have been times when we’ve had a really injured squad and have felt the pressure of it, especially when there are not many players who can come on because of circumstances,” he added. "To have everyone back and everyone firing, it’s a really good place to be in.”
While no team has conceded more goals after the 90th minute than Spurs’ seven, Johnson’s heroics made it eight points won in added time. Having left it even later to turn defeat into a win against Sheffield United in September, Spurs also struck at the death to beat Liverpool and earn a draw at Man City.
Johnson said they are now approaching games with the mentality that the match will last 100 minutes – and that gives those coming off the bench added impetus.
Pascal Gross put Brighton in front against Tottenham with a clinical finish from the penalty spot“One hundred minutes is a bit different this season,” he said. “Even when you’re coming on in the 80th minute, you can play up to 25 minutes. You have to be ready to give everything you’ve got, especially the starters because no player can play in this team and play 100 minutes to the highest of intensity.”
Son, on the other hand, was almost apologetic towards fans for causing so much stress. Many will argue last-gasp goals are the most thrilling way to win a game but the captain would much rather results be settled earlier.
“We never give up,” he said. “We believe until the referees whistle. Obviously, you don’t want to finish in that way, it is not the best way to win games but we will take it. You have to believe until the end of the game. It’s a good win but we want to do better because we don’t want the fans panicking until the last second.”
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