Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
Spurs went into the second leg 1-0 down after a disappointing display in the Netherlands. A defeat could’ve been catastrophic for Ange Postecoglou, who was under huge pressure.
Thankfully for him, Tottenham took advantage of AZ’s mistakes and a brace from Wilson Odobert either side of James Maddison’s goal sealed the win.
The young Frenchman’s performance was very good, and many Spurs fans realised after the game that he is much more dynamic and effective in the buildup than another one of their wingers.
Jamie O’Hara pointed that out after the game.
Jamie O’Hara blasts Brennan Johnson after Wilson Odobert’s Tottenham brace
Tottenham signed Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023 in a £47.5 million deal.
The Wales international was viewed as a great signing for Postecoglou’s system, but he had a very difficult debut campaign in North London.
Johnson scored just five goals in 38 games last term, but his output this season has been so much better – 14 goals in 26 starts in all competitions.
However, Johnson can be really frustrating on the ball at times, and after watching Odobert fare so much better in possession, O’Hara had a go at the Welshman.
He said on talkSPORT: “I thought Odobert played really well tonight, his first couple of goals for the club. Brennan Johnson, for me, he gets on the end of things, but he frustrates the life out of me. But, Odobert has got a bit more about him.”
O’Hara added: “He (Johnson) gets on the end of things, he’s the one that finishes the move off. But, when he gets on the ball, I want to see more, go past players. He’s great with his runs, he wants Maddison or someone to put him in, he’ll get on the back post and that’s a great attribute to have.
“But, if you want to play for Tottenham week in, week out on the wing, you’ve got to produce when you get the ball at your feet. You saw that happen with players Spurs have had as wingers, like Bale and Lennon and Ginola, players like that. You need someone who can do that.”
Brennan Johnson’s role at Tottenham may change
Odobert has now staked his claim to be a regular starter at Tottenham, and that’s bad news for Johnson.
The Welshman will have to win his place back from the bench, but Johnson’s style of play could still benefit Spurs big-time.
The former Nottingham Forest man has proved how well he can get on the end of things. That is why he has scored 14 goals this season, and not everyone has that ability.
Yes, Johnson can be extremely frustrating at times and he needs to work on his on-the-ball skills, but if he can perfect his role as a finisher for Tottenham, he can still be a big asset for Postecoglou.
