Thomas Frank enters a crucial week with Tottenham as he prepares his squad for the North London Derby, and one player who could play a major role is Brennan Johnson.
The Spurs boss has been keeping a close eye on the fitness and form of his players returning from international duty, and Johnson’s recent performance for Wales has put him in a strong position to start against Arsenal on Sunday.
Johnson’s contribution to Tottenham last season often goes under the radar, even among the club’s own supporters. He finished the 2024/25 campaign as Spurs’ top scorer in all competitions, producing 18 goals and seven assists across 53 appearances.
A return of 25 direct goal contributions is impressive for a player who was still adapting to a new environment after making a big-money move from Nottingham Forest. Yet criticism has followed him since he arrived, with some questioning whether his decision-making in attacking areas is sharp enough for a club with Spurs’ ambitions.
The arrival of Mohammed Kudus in the summer added more competition to Tottenham’s frontline, meaning Johnson no longer walks into the starting XI. However, his versatility one of his most underrated qualities has kept him involved regularly. Even with Spurs rotating their options, he still managed four goals in 17 appearances before the November international break.
That break has served him well. Johnson scored a stunning goal in Wales’ 7–1 win over North Macedonia a result that secured their place in the World Cup play-offs. Harry Wilson may have taken the headlines with a hat-trick, but Johnson’s strike was one of the standout moments of the night.
Receiving the ball on the left, he drove inside with confidence and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner. It was the kind of finish that showcased exactly what he can bring to Spurs when he plays with freedom and belief.
Wilson praised him after the match, calling the goal “amazing” and noting how important it was in settling nerves after North Macedonia briefly threatened a comeback.
Johnson’s ability to produce that level of quality is exactly why Frank will be eager to unleash him against Arsenal, especially given the state of Tottenham’s attacking options.
With Dejan Kulusevski already ruled out and uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani, Johnson suddenly looks like one of the most reliable and available threats in the squad. His confidence will be high, and Spurs need players who can take initiative in big moments.
Arsenal sit at the top of the Premier League table, and Tottenham need energy, directness and goals if they are to disrupt their rivals at a crucial stage of the season.
Frank has previously spoken about Johnson’s strengths, and his comments show why he values the winger so highly. He pointed out that Johnson consistently finds himself in dangerous areas, something not every wide player has the instinct for.
Frank praised his work rate, his commitment to recovery runs and his ability to arrive at the right moments to create or finish chances. Those qualities have made him one of Tottenham’s most useful attacking assets, even when he is not always a regular starter.
Tottenham’s players will begin returning to Hotspur Way on Wednesday and Thursday, and Frank will quickly assess who is fit, sharp and ready for Sunday’s huge match.
Games against Arsenal always carry tension, pressure and intensity, and Spurs will need players who can handle that environment and still deliver moments of quality.
Johnson now has a perfect opportunity to build on his recent form. His goal for Wales reminded everyone of his talent, and if Tottenham hand him the responsibility of starting against Arsenal, he will have the chance to make a lasting impact in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.
A strong performance could not only help Spurs in a pivotal match but also push Johnson closer to securing a more permanent place in Frank’s starting plans as the campaign continues.
