Former Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson has voiced his determination to develop a fresh strategy to triumph over Manchester United in the upcoming Europa League clash on Wednesday, despite Tottenham's laudable track record of three wins against the team this season.
While Spurs' recent victories, including the impressive 3-0 game at Old Trafford that nudged Erik ten Hag closer to leaving and the dramatic 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final win under Ruben Amorim's watchful eye, might give them an edge, Johnson remains pragmatic: "I think we know, going into the final, we can't rely on the fact that we've beaten them a few times this season."
He further added, "I think it's about now coming up with a plan because each time we've beaten them has been down to different reasons."
Focused on the future, Johnson elaborated, "I feel like we've done good work preparing for Man United so now it's about coming up with how we want to win, things we want to do, things we want to stop them from doing so it's a new opportunity."
The forward also expressed a desire for meticulous preparation, stating, "We want to prepare and be as confident as we can."
On a personal note, Johnson's goal at Old Trafford had additional significance given his father David's history with United; although his dad never made it onto the professional pitch for them, he is a staunch supporter in the Spurs away end today.
David Johnson has spoken about his son's allegiance to Tottenham Hotspur, affirming that despite growing up around the area and playing for a local team, he is now firmly on Spurs' side. "I think he obviously liked them because he grew up round that area and played for them but definitely not now! He's on Spurs' side," Johnson said.
The connection with Spurs is deepening for the Johnson family, as David reveals their habit of discussing games, sharing: "We speak a lot before games, after games. I'm sure it won't be anything too much just for the final. Just wishing me good luck and that's it."
Johnson acknowledges that his instinctive positioning has been successfully inherited by his son, who has delighted fans with his scoring prowess. David Johnson's knack for being in the right place at the right time has been passed down to his son with the Spurs attacker enjoying his best scoring campaign.
A significant part of Tottenham's tactical gameplay, especially under manager Ange Postecoglou, revolves around lethal finishing, particularly at the back post where many of Johnson's 17 goals have come from. Plenty of Johnson's 17 goals have been first-time finishes at the back post, which has been a hallmark of teams managed by Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.
David expands on the expectations set by Postecoglou and his learning curve in meeting them: "Yeah, it's a demand that he puts on us to be in the back post."
He also discusses the focus required to cement oneself in the optimal goal-scoring position: "I think last season there were a few instances where I wasn't in the right position and he gets frustrated because people think it's a tap-in but if you're not there, then it goes out for a throw-in."
A keen student of the game, Johnson takes time to understand his teammates to ensure he's precisely where he needs to be. "It's just knowing who I am playing with, knowing the type of crosses I am going to get. Almost studying other players in the team, seeing what they like to do, what type of crosses and trying to be in the right position."
This attention to detail has paid off, culminating in a memorable moment for both father and son during Spurs' emphatic win in European competition. A textbook Johnson finish helped Spurs claim a 5-1 semi-final aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt and while they have struggled in the [Premier League](https://www.nottinghampost.com/all-about/barclays-premier-league), European success has always been a big target.
Focused on the bigger picture, Johnson emphasises how significant the club's ambition is in driving the team forward. "Yeah, it's been a real positive drive for us," Johnson said.
"When times have been tough and we've had to go to some tough places in Europe and got some really good results, it brings the squad together a massive amount.
"The quarter-final, the semi-final, these games have been massive for us. Unbelievable victories, real togetherness and yeah, it just make us stronger and more together."