post-match footage thar got fans worried over Brennan Johnson after Coventry winner emerges
Tottenham Hotspur fans are growing increasingly concerned about Brennan Johnson after a video of his subdued post-match reaction surfaced online following his crucial goal in the Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City.
Johnson, who had been a starter in Spurs’ disappointing loss to Arsenal during the North London derby, was demoted to the bench for the clash against Coventry. The 23-year-old forward found himself under intense scrutiny after that Arsenal defeat, leading him to deactivate his Instagram account due to the backlash he received from fans regarding his performance.
However, Johnson provided a perfect response on Wednesday night by netting a dramatic late winner, securing Spurs’ passage to the next round of the Carabao Cup. In the dying moments of the game, Rodrigo Bentancur played a perfectly timed ball through to Johnson, who calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper, showcasing his composure and skill in front of goal.
Despite the match-winning goal, what followed was a cause for concern. Johnson’s celebration was noticeably muted, and even after the final whistle, his demeanor seemed distant. While Son Heung-min attempted to lead him toward the away fans to acknowledge their support, Johnson appeared reluctant, hesitating to join in the applause with the traveling supporters at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
This somber reaction sparked a flurry of discussions online. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “His body language says he’s angry with the fans. He’s right to be angry.” Another commented, “Brennan has really gotten unjust hate. He had a good season last year and is just having a slow start. Give the kid a break.” A third fan noted, “This is sad to see. He looks absolutely petrified of his own club’s supporters.”
The online abuse and harsh criticism directed at Johnson prompted Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou to speak out. The Australian coach firmly condemned the negative treatment his young player had received, emphasizing the damage such criticism can cause. “I hate how we’ve just normalised all that stuff,” Postecoglou said, reflecting on how much the landscape of football fandom has changed.
Postecoglou drew on his own experiences to highlight the challenges modern players face. “Back in my playing days, you’d cop abuse from the terraces, but then the game would end, and you’d move on. Now, it’s constant, especially with social media. You’re talking about a young guy who’s probably lacking confidence at the moment. Things haven’t been going his way.”
The manager praised Johnson’s work ethic and attitude, revealing that the player has been giving everything to succeed at the club. “He comes in every day, works his backside off, asks for feedback, and does everything right. He’s desperate to become the player he knows he can be. It’s hurting him deeply,” Postecoglou explained, adding that Johnson’s lack of form is not due to a lack of effort or carelessness.
Postecoglou was quick to dismiss any notion that Johnson’s struggles are due to a poor attitude. “It’s not like he’s out partying or showing up late to training. So what’s his crime? His crime is simply that he’s not meeting the high expectations that people have of him right now.”
Despite the challenging start to his Spurs career, Johnson has shown flashes of his talent, and under Postecoglou’s guidance, he will likely be given the time and support needed to regain his confidence and thrive. However, the toxic environment created by online abuse remains a serious issue, and it’s one that players like Johnson will continue to face unless there is a broader shift in how supporters engage with their team online.