Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson, who netted the only goal in his team’s 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final, remarked that lifting the trophy has alleviated the frustrations of an otherwise challenging season.
Johnson tucked away a scrappy goal in the 42nd minute, marking Spurs’ first piece of silverware since their 2008 League Cup victory and their first European title since 1984.
“I’m absolutely thrilled right now,” a beaming Brennan expressed.
“This season has been far from ideal, but to be honest, not one of us players cares about that at this moment. This is what we play for; this club hasn’t won a trophy in 17 years.
“Honestly, this is what it signifies. It means so much. The fans have been through tough times, we’ve faced criticism for not winning any silverware. But we needed to secure this first one in ages today. I’m overwhelmed with joy,” he shared with TNT Sports.
The Europa League has been a rare bright spot for both Spurs and United, who find themselves positioned 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League.
“Since I joined, it’s been the same narrative: ‘Tottenham are a good team, but they can’t finish the job.’ Well, we did it,” Brennan stated.
His goal wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, as it appeared to deflect off both him and United defender Luke Shaw, slipping past goalkeeper Andre Onana despite his desperate attempt to save it.
“I knew I got a touch on it, then I looked up because I hadn’t connected it well, and suddenly the ball was rolling in. I can’t find words to describe the feeling,” said the 23-year-old.
In the final moments, United pressed hard for an equaliser, creating several scoring opportunities, including a header from Rasmus Hojlund that Micky van de Ven managed to clear off the line, and a late header from Shaw that Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario brilliantly diverted away.
“It was terrible. I could hardly watch,” Johnson admitted. “The relief is beyond words. Tottenham Hotspur finishing 17th in the Premier League is unacceptable, but we’ve enjoyed an incredible Europa run, and the fans have been fantastic.”
He also had praise for under-pressure manager Ange Postecoglou.
“He’s done his job. He said he would start winning in his second year, and he has,” Brennan remarked.
“I can’t thank the manager enough for the faith he’s shown in us. Some of our performances this season haven’t been up to scratch. However, especially in the Europa League, he knows how to motivate everyone, and today that was evident.”
Vicario highlighted the victory as a collective achievement.
“The save from Micky van de Ven was brilliant; he kept one off the line. We understood before the game that we needed contributions from everyone, and we pulled it off. Now it’s time to celebrate,” the goalkeeper said.
“I still can’t quite believe what we’ve accomplished tonight; it’s surreal. We’ve literally made history, in the truest sense.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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