Brennan Johnson goalless in 648 Palace minutes as Tottenham return offers test | OneFootball

Brennan Johnson remains goalless for Crystal Palace after 648 minutes under Oliver Glasner, and returns to Tottenham tonight with scrutiny on his slow start.

NY Times notes that his integration has been sluggish. His clearest chance came in the goalless draw with Aston Villa on January 7, when Adam Wharton sent him through and Emiliano Martinez saved. That was only his second Palace outing after a then club-record £35million move from Tottenham.

Oliver Glasner has urged Johnson to be himself, arguing he has the skills to excel and should play with freedom. He says the forward has started well and could already have several assists had chances been finished, while stressing out-of-rhythm players need time.

Yet his influence has been modest across 12 appearances and seven starts. With Palace prioritising structure over rapid transitions, balls in behind have been scarce, a contrast to his 18-goal Spurs season including a Europa League final winner. He also joined during a bruising two-month league drought after being overlooked by Spurs’ then head coach Thomas Frank.

Jorgen Strand Larsen has impressed in six games, scoring twice on his home debut in the 3-2 defeat by Burnley, and Evann Guessand has delivered a late winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With Strand Larsen now the record signing and three wins in five, pressure may ease, but whether Johnson’s issues are individual or systemic is unresolved. A strong showing on his Tottenham return could provide a timely push.

Source: NY Times