‘Worked hard’: National media deliver intriguing verdict on 22-year-old sold to Tottenham by Forest

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Brennan Johnson made his first start for Tottenham since leaving Nottingham Forest yesterday. He started the North London derby against Arsenal and played for just over an hour.

The game finished 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium. On another day, the £47.5 million forward might have found the score sheet but he found an inspired David Raya between the posts.

Johnson knew all about playing in front of the Arsenal fan base this season. He played there as Forest lost 2-1 on the opening day of 2023/24 and actually missed a gilt-edged chance for the Reds.

Forest chose to cash in on Johnson during the transfer window. The 22-year-old moved to Tottenham on transfer deadline day and made a substitute appearance against Sheffield United last weekend.

Yesterday, he was handed a start. Richarlison was left on the bench and Johnson was given the chance to play against Arsenal by boss Ange Postecoglou.

The media delivered a verdict on Johnson and gave him a 7/10 for his performance. Football London said: “Making his full debut for Spurs and he had an early shot deflected over the crossbar. Scuffed an effort before the break that Raya saved well. Worked hard and had another couple of efforts blocked in the build-up to Son’s equaliser. A bright and busy first start, although he might feel he could have done better with Arsenal’s opening goal.”

Johnson makes first start since leaving Forest

It was a very decent start for the man who departed Forest on transfer deadline day. The Tottenham fans are starting to warm to him, although he perhaps should have scored yesterday.

Raya’s save to deny him was a good one. However, all it needed was a proper firm strike of the ball and he’d have been powerless to prevent Johnson from opening his account.

It’s interesting that Football London felt he could have perhaps done better with Arsenal’s opening goal. Getting back has perhaps always been his vice and will be something he hopes to improve on.

Forest fans won’t hear a bad word said about Johnson though. Based on his performance yesterday, his first Tottenham goal might be just around the corner.