Bradley Johnson - MOTM

[hogesar]

Being a fan of Bradley Johnson i've spent a lot of time defending him, particularly against those who say he's not good enough for us in this league. In my mind that's absolute nonsense and this match has highlighted it.

People say he can't pass and he shouldn't try to, but his distribution today was absolutely first class and something Tettey is NOT capable of - or hasn't shown it, at least. His work-rate is second to none, His positioning can sometimes be questioned because it does leave him liable to players running behind him. 

His goal was fantastic and an example of what he is capable of. One of the main differences today was there were options. Availability on both flanks and Johnson was able to ping a ball out to either wing. Last season, his poor performances normally were on par with the team performance being poor. When he doesn't have an option and he has to retain possession himself for longer than possible - it can cause problems but that will be the case for pretty much all midfielders in this league.

The reality is Lambert Hughton and Adams have all played Johnson in the Premier League. Why? Because he does a lot of work for the team and I don't personally think all 3 of those managers have got it wrong.

Deserved MOTM although several players were very good -  Lafferty obviously amongst the best but Hoolahan was also excellent.

 

[skijumptoes]

He takes criticism very well too, so it's good to see him getting plaudits today.

 

[Yellow Fever]

BJ had an 8.78 rating from Whoscored for his performance today, including a passing success rate of 86.8%. Correct to say that Lafferty and Hoolahan also had great matches though. 

 

[yellowarmy]

Always preferred Johnson to Tetty, his pass completion rate might not be quite as good, but his pure work rate is second to none. Had it not been for a great save from their goalie he could have scored another today as well. I believe it was fair to award him motm, but like others have said Lafferty looks a fantastic signing, wes had a great game. It is fair to say all the players had good games and it was nice to see Whittaker and Garrido play well given all the stick they got last week

 

[Lake District Canary]

Thought Johnson had a good game today. He did well in the space and time he was given and Watford did not press us back at all once a man down  - but it could have been oh so different if his lack of control right at the start of the match had cost us a goal from that free kick.   But fair do's, a good day for him and all of us. 

 

[Killiecanary]

I love BJ but occasionally have to watch through my fingers as one of his shots or passes misses their intended target. But for commitment and team ethic he is great. I suspect he will be excellent for us again in this league...as he has before. Unfortunately for me he just isn't a premier league quality player...and there's no shame in that. I can see BJ, Tettey, Howson and Wes being a key group in the middle of midfield, and all getting lots of game time - probably perming 3 from that 4 in most games.

 

[hogesar]

Thought Johnson had a good game today. He did well in the space and time he was given and Watford did not press us back at all once a man down  - but it could have been oh so different if his lack of control right at the start of the match had cost us a goal from that free kick.   But fair do's, a good day for him and all of us. 

He was given space - that's the nature of a team with 10 men. However - to the same credit the rest of the midfield had that benefit yet Johnson's passing particularly long-range was so much more evident than the rest of them.

It was more than just a good game - it was the perfect midfield performance by all respects. Couple of good through balls, pinging balls to either flank, a goal, could have had a couple, potentially a hattrick. Hard graft which is a given plus quality.

Today saw movement all over the pitch and it makes it so much easier for the player on the ball.

 

[ZLF]

as a long time critic he was excellent today - particularly going forward it was his best display for the club.

It hard to get over excited - it was one game and against 10 men who repeated failed to pick up the late arrive deep player - which is why both he and tettey got on the score sheet - both had time and space to dominate the game.

More of the same please bj

 

[The Ghost of Michael Theo]

Today saw movement all over the pitch and it makes it so much easier for the player on the ball.

This, for me was the key difference. Apart from the obvious 10 man advantage, that movement made Johnson's job so much easier.

He had a great game, but for me, Lafferty pipped him for MOTM. Game of opinions and that....

 

[splutcho]

I'm usually his biggest critic but everyone is saying he was great today which is good to hear. It's usually his passing that gets me, but his percentages are way up today, so no complaints here. Also just seen his goal. Lovely.

 

[Josh]

Hopefully he can play every game against a 3 man midfield which doesn't press the ball.

 

[yellowarmy]

Hopefully he can play every game against a 3 man midfield which doesn't press the ball.

Bit unfair, every Norwich player was in the same situation and Bradders outshone all, credit where credit is due, you can only play against that which is put in front of you and his passing at times were quite sublime

 

[Josh]

I love BJ but occasionally have to watch through my fingers 

Tell me about it

 

[Yellow Fever]

I wonder whether Gary Holt and Mark Robson have been working with BJ to improve his game. The change in his pass success rate in the first two matches is quite remarkable. Long may it continue.

 

[yellowarmy]

I wonder whether Gary Holt and Mark Robson have been working with BJ to improve his game. The change in his pass success rate in the first two matches is quite remarkable. Long may it continue.

Well if they have which i'm pretty sure they would have, well done to them and long may it continue