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Brennan Johnson: From Outcast to Key Player at Spurs

With five goals in five games, Brennan Johnson has emerged as a pivotal player for Tottenham Hotspur, completely reversing the team's fortunes after a rocky start to the season.

“One Brennan Johnson, there’s only one Brennan Johnson…”

Football can change in an instant, and Brennan Johnson’s resurgence is proof. Just three weeks ago, the £50 million Spurs forward was receiving heavy criticism on social media following a disappointing performance in the North London Derby. The backlash led Johnson to deactivate his Instagram account as abuse from his own supporters became overwhelming. Despite tallying 10 Premier League assists last season—ranking among the top in the league—his early-season struggles became a focal point for frustrated fans.

Since stepping away from social media, Johnson’s performances on the pitch have told a different story. He’s found the back of the net in four consecutive games, helping Tottenham to four straight victories. His goals have been instrumental, starting with the winner in an EFL Cup match against Coventry City and culminating with a decisive strike against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Each of his goals during this run has been a match-winner, making him Tottenham’s standout performer at a crucial juncture in their season.

A Crucial Turning Point: Johnson’s resurgence began when he was unexpectedly called into action against Coventry in the EFL Cup, coming on after just 18 minutes due to an injury to Wilson Odobert. Tottenham found themselves down 1-0, on the brink of an early exit. Johnson’s calm finish, following a Rodrigo Bentancur pass, secured a 2-1 victory that saved Spurs from embarrassment.

From there, his momentum continued. He netted Tottenham's opener in a comeback win over Brentford in the Premier League, scored again in the Europa League against Qarabag after Radu Dragusin’s early red card, and struck the crucial first goal against Manchester United. In each of these matches, his goals put Tottenham in the driver’s seat, earning him a growing reputation as the team’s go-to man.

Unconventional but Effective: Unlike most modern wingers who cut inside to their stronger foot, Johnson plays on his natural right side, using his dominant foot almost exclusively. This makes him something of an anomaly at the highest level, where inverted wingers dominate. Johnson’s one-footedness has been a source of frustration for Spurs fans, as defenders often predict his movements down the line. But while it can make him somewhat predictable, Johnson’s recent form shows that predictability isn’t necessarily a problem when executed effectively.

His four goals in 2024-25 have come from just 3.0 xG (expected goals), a marked improvement over last season when he underperformed significantly. In 2023-24, Johnson scored only five goals from an xG of 11.0, struggling to convert high-quality chances. That change in efficiency has transformed him from a player lacking confidence to a prolific scorer in the space of just a few weeks.

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Postecoglou’s Backing Proves Right

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to defend Johnson amidst the social media criticism. “He’s working his backside off, asking for feedback, and trying so hard to become the player he wants to be,” Postecoglou said. “It’s hurting him a lot.”

Those words now ring true as Johnson’s turnaround shows that confidence, rather than ability, was the issue. His finishing has become more clinical, and his positioning smarter, allowing him to be in the right place at the right time. Johnson’s ability to shoot through a defender's legs and find the far corner, which he demonstrated against Qarabag, has added an extra dimension to his game.

Key in Tottenham’s Pressing System: Johnson’s value goes beyond scoring. He has been a key player in Tottenham’s high-pressing game, contributing to their league-leading 82 high turnovers (winning the ball within 40 meters of the opposition goal). Spurs’ relentless pressing has generated numerous chances, and while only one of their high turnovers has led to a goal so far, Johnson’s energy and movement have been critical in creating these opportunities.

Looking Forward: Tottenham’s recent goal-scoring surge—13 goals in five games—has shifted the narrative around their season. Johnson has been central to this revival, silencing his critics and earning the adoration of Spurs fans. His confidence is restored, and he is playing with a renewed sense of purpose. As the season progresses, Johnson’s form will be key to maintaining Tottenham’s upward trajectory, particularly in the absence of talisman Harry Kane.

Johnson’s journey from scapegoat to savior shows how quickly things can change in football. In just a few weeks, he has gone from receiving abuse to hearing his name sung by the fans. His remarkable form has Spurs back on track, and with each goal, his star continues to rise.

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