Postecoglou risks sack with Johnson call

Ange Postecoglou made the decision to bench Brennan Johnson for the clash between Tottenham and Southampton on Sunday evening.

Spurs come into the encounter having been held to a draw in their midweek Europa League clash with Rangers that saw additional pressure piled on Postecoglou.

Tottenham’s hierarchy are still backing Postecoglou to turn things around (NBC Sports Soccer) but failure to win against Premier League strugglers Southampton on 15 December could sway the decision-makers to change their mind.

As posted by the club’s official X account, Spurs made five changes from their draw against Rangers, with Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Djed Spence all drafted into the starting XI.

Johnson is one of several notable omissions with Pedro Porro among those dropped.

Yves Bissouma misses out through suspension while Rodrigo Bentancur has not made the squad

Brennan Johnson benched for Tottenham

Postecoglou’s decision to bench Johnson is a big call to make and the Australian is certainly risking the sack by doing so.

Granted, the Welshman failed to impress against Rangers before being hooked in the 60th minute and rightfully so given what was a dreadful showing.

His inability to create a single chance in the game was matched by a daunting 0 per cent shot accuracy (FotMob) in an incredibly lacklustre performance.

Johnson managed to complete just 50 per cent of his attempted dribbles at Ibrox while failing to complete a cross during the 1-1 draw.

On the flip side, his importance to the team has shone through more often than not and Postecoglou has seemingly overlooked that in his team selection for their Southampton clash.

Throughout the Premier League season, the Welshman has registered seven goal contributions and has been at large a standout performer in an otherwise dull campaign.

With 11 chances created and 11 successful dribbles, he is often the creative spark that can provide the difference.

His dribble success rate of 55 per cent has him in the top 71.6 per cent of players in the Premier League for that attribute.

Johnson has also played a key role in defending from the front for Spurs this season, having won 52 per cent of his defensive duels in 15 appearances.

Postecoglou’s decision to omit Johnson could prove to be a grave mistake.

In other Tottenham news, Harry Kane wants Bayern Munich to sign one Spurs player.

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