Postecoglou backs Johnson and Solanke to kick on after Brentford comeback | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou has backed Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke to continue their good form after both scored in today’s 3-1 win over Brentford.

Solanke opened the scoring for Spurs six minutes after Bryan Mbuemo’s spectacular opener, tapping home James Maddison’s deflected shot. It was his first goal for the club since joining in the summer for £65m.

Johnson would have to wait a little longer for his moment, beating his man before finishing across goal from a tight angle to put Spurs in front. The moment was particularly special for him, though, after he was subject to significant abuse on social media for his performances earlier in the season.

Speaking at full time, Postecoglou said that Johnson has bounced back well from the difficult moments.

He said: “Brennan has had a top week, scored the winner in the Cup and scored a fantastic goal again today to get us ahead. He was a real threat all the way through.

“He had a bit of a tough period last week, sometimes that gives you perspective as to what’s important. He is a much loved teammate and I have no doubt he will make a big impact for the club.”

He added that Johnson’s reaction is indicative of his attitude, and that he will learn from the experience.

“Anyone who watches Brennan play, if they think he doesn’t work hard and give his all for the team I’d be very surprised. For every footballer you have to go through difficult moments and he has held this really well. It gives you perspective. When the next difficult moment comes, inevitably it always comes, I’m sure he’ll know what’s important to him.”

On Solanke, Postecoglou made the point that he was not quite match fit yet but performing well regardless.

“Dom is still working his way to match fitness, he was out of gas at the end there. He was good today and has been good in every game he has played for us.

“Strikers like to score goals and it was a great moment for him to score his first goal for the club especially at home. It was a great performance from him, he led the line really well.

“Important for us today is the link up there because we know they would go pretty aggressive on the man to man marking and he was gonna have to hold the ball up for us and I think he did that really well.”

Spurs are back in action on Thursday, when they host Qarabag FK in the league stage of the Europa League.