Tottenham Hotspur Secure Europa League Final Berth with Win Over Bodo/Glimt, but Brennan Johnson’s Form Sparks Concern
Tottenham Hotspur have booked their place in the final of the UEFA Europa League after completing a professional 2-0 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on a brisk night in Norway. With a 3-1 advantage already in hand from the first leg in North London, Spurs comfortably extended their aggregate lead to 5-1, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Premier League rivals Manchester United at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 21.
Ange Postecoglou’s men showed composure and efficiency, maintaining control for most of the match. The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Dominic Solanke, once again proving his value, found the back of the net with a composed finish to give Spurs a commanding lead. Just six minutes later, right-back Pedro Porro doubled the lead with a cross that fortuitously curled into the goal, leaving the Bodo/Glimt keeper stranded.
While Tottenham’s overall display was solid and professional, not all players were firing on all cylinders. One of the most concerning performances came from forward Brennan Johnson, whose dip in form has not gone unnoticed in recent weeks. Despite boasting an impressive season tally of 17 goals and seven assists across 48 appearances, Johnson has struggled for consistency—and that continued in Norway.
Against Bodo/Glimt, Johnson appeared off the pace and disconnected from the attacking rhythm. He completed just 4 out of 10 attempted passes, recording a pass completion rate of only 40%. His efforts to contribute through crossing and long balls were also unproductive, failing with his only cross and all four long passes attempted. He was dispossessed eight times, completed no successful dribbles, and made little impact in the attacking third.
Match ratings reflected his struggles. Spurs Web handed Johnson a harsh 4/10 rating, bluntly describing him as “a passenger during the match,” suggesting he offered little influence on proceedings. Football London echoed this sentiment, noting that while he worked hard defensively and picked up a yellow card for his troubles, his contributions in attack were minimal at best. Meanwhile, The Evening Standard highlighted how unusually defensive his positioning was and pointed out his lack of involvement in dangerous areas.
This drop in form couldn’t come at a worse time for Tottenham. With James Maddison sidelined due to injury and set to miss the final, Spurs will need their remaining attacking players to step up significantly if they are to stand a chance against a resilient and battle-hardened Manchester United squad.
Johnson’s current lack of sharpness is a pressing concern. His confidence appears to have taken a hit, and whether it stems from fatigue or simply a rough patch, there’s no time to dwell. Spurs will be counting on him to bounce back and rediscover the form that made him such a vital part of the attack earlier in the season.
With Tottenham’s hopes of ending their trophy drought and achieving European glory resting on the upcoming final, Johnson’s resurgence could be crucial. If he can find his rhythm and deliver when it matters most, he could help Spurs write a historic chapter in Bilbao. But if his struggles continue, it may leave Postecoglou with a difficult decision as he plots a strategy to topple the Red Devils and bring silverware back to North London.
