GOAL DREAM MADE ME GO EXTRA EMIL
Brennan strikes late to give Ange a big lift and tells Spurs fans the best is yet to come from him
has placed added importance on subs contributing.
“There have been times when we’ve had a really injured squad and have felt the pressure of it, especially when there are not many players who can come on because of circumstances,” he added.
“To have everyone back and everyone firing, it’s a really good place to be in.”
While no team has conceded more goals after the 90th minute than Spurs’ seven, Johnson’s heroics made it eight points won in added time.
Having left it even later to turn defeat into a win against Sheffield United in September, Spurs also struck at the death to beat Liverpool and earn a draw at
DANNY WELBECK is embracing his role as the teacher of Brighton’s young forwards.
But the 33-year-old (right) believes he has plenty of fuel left in the tank as he waits to hear if Albion will be offering him a new deal beyond this summer.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker says the prospect of a new
Manchester City. Johnson thinks they are now approaching games with the mentality that it will last 100 minutes – and that gives those coming off the bench added impetus.
“One hundred minutes is different this season,” he said.
“Even when you’re coming on in the 80th minute, you can play up to 25 minutes.
“You have to be ready to give everything you’ve got, especially the starters because no player can play in this team and play 100 minutes to the highest of intensity.”
Son, on the other hand, was almost apologetic towards fans for contract is out of his control. Yet with Albion still on an upward trajectory, he is keen to extend his mentorship to the likes of Evan
Ferguson, 19, and Joao
Pedro, 22.
“It’s not just down to me,” Welbeck said. “But I’m feeling good, a bit causing so much stress. Many will argue last-gasp goals are the most thrilling way to win a game but the captain would much rather results be settled earlier.
“We never give up,” he said. “We believe until the referee’s whistle.
“Obviously you don’t want to finish in that way, it is not the best way to win games but we will take it.
“You have to believe until the end of the game. It’s a good win but we want to do better because we don’t want the fans panicking until the last second.” feeling strong. I’m always there for every single player that steps inside that dressing room, to let them know what it means to play with this group. I’m always there for everyone. “There’s a lot of room for improvement, even though we’ve had some wonderful seasons.
“We always want to get better. That’s down to the environment and culture within the team and squad.
“Everyone wants to improve every single day. The manager, he doesn’t let anyone rest on their laurels.
“Everyone is always on their toes, willing to get better and that’s the right mindset to have.”
HEUNG-MIN SON insists Tottenham have not spent a second thinking about a title challenge.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne last week claimed Spurs are one of four teams capable of pipping the champions, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
But Son (above) says Ange Postecoglou’s team will not be drawn into any talk of a surprise charge, despite being the only side without Europe to contend with.
Returning to the Champions League remains their primary aim and asked if players have been wondering about going all the way to the top, Son said: “Not at all.
“We are doing our best from our position and (what is) expected of us.
“There are so many contenders. There are so many favourites. Man City, Liverpool is flying now.
“From our position we want to give our best and at the end of the season we take where we are.”
CARDIFF PRESTON
Championship
0 2
EMIL RIIS revealed dreams of scoring on his return for Preston kept him going through his year on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
Danish frontman Riis bagged his first goal in 469 days to help the Lilywhites beat Cardiff, with Ben Whiteman also netting for the visitors in the Welsh capital.
But Riis (above) said his behindthe-scenes grafting last year made his goal against the Bluebirds all the more special.
“To finally get my first goal is a great feeling, something I’ve been dreaming of for a while,” he said.
“It was a long year last year, I had a lot of downtime.
“It’s been a lot of hard work in the gym, seeing the lads play and train and to not be a part of it, it’s been very tough.
“I’ve always played football, it’s everything I know and I’ve never had an injury like this before.
“You almost become a different person to who you are.
“You have to set new targets every week to get through it.
“But it’s all worth it when you come back and get a goal.”
Defeat – their third on the spin at home – saw Cardiff fall further adrift of the play-off places.
And a miserable day was compounded by the news that the Bluebirds will be without key defender Mark Mcguinness for up to two months due to injury.
“I think this is another disappointing part,” said manager Erol Bulut.
“It looks like he will be out for six to eight weeks. He had a great season until now.
“Now we don’t have him for the next games, I hope Nat (Phillips) and Dimi (Dimitrios Goutas) will manage it well together to be on the same level.”
Josh Wilson-esbrand was one of four players to make their home debut for Cardiff and
Bulut tipped the Manchester City loanee to make a big impact in South Wales.
“He’s got a good left foot, he’s a good crosser, he’s quick and he can dribble,” added the Turk.
“He will add something to us for sure.”
TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Vicario 7; Porro 6, Romero 6, Van de Ven 6, Udogie 6 (Davies 80); Sarr 7 (Hojbjerg 80), Bentancur 7 (Son 62, 6); Kulusevski 6 (Bissouma 62, 5), Maddison 6, Werner 5 (Johnson 62, 6); Richarlison 6. BRIGHTON (4-3-3): Steele 7; Lamptey 6 (Baleba 90), Van Hecke 7, Dunk 7, Estupinan 5; Gross 7, Gilmour 7 (Baker-boaitey 90), Lallana 6 (Fati 57, 6); Buonanotte 6 (Veltman 83), Welbeck 6 (Ferguson 83), Mitoma 6.
HULL CITY SWANSEA
Championship
LIAM CULLEN is happy to take centre stage for Swansea after finally giving boss Luke Williams’ reign lift-off.
The Swans had failed to win in four previous Championship games since Williams was appointed last month.
But Cullen fired home in clinical fashion from a corner in the 11th minute to dump Hull out of the play-off places.
The Wales international, 24, has been deployed at right wing-back and on the right wing since Williams took charge.
But after playing in his preferred position as a striker against the Tigers, Cullen (right) said: “I had chats with the gaffer and staff about playing more central.
“It’s the position I’ve grown up playing, and it’s the position that’s got me to where I am today.
“I feel at my best and most comfortable through the middle as a No.9.
“That’s where you get the most chances to put the ball in the net.”
Hull were given a roasting by boss Liam Rosenior and defender Alfie Jones said: “We weren’t good enough from the first minute – it’s a reality check.”