Three the magic number for Johnson

04 November 2011 15:16

Andrew Johnson is confident Fulham can make it three wins on the trot against Tottenham on Sunday.

The 30-year-old striker was one of the Cottagers' standout performers in Thursday night's 4-1 Europa League victory over Polish champions Wisla Krakow. Johnson netted a brace that was complemented by efforts from Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell, propelling Fulham to the cusp of qualification to the knockout stages.

"It has been a great week for the guys," he said. "We got our first away win and three points in the Premier League. It has pumped us up the Premier League and relieved that bit of pressure, especially after the unfortunate loss we had last week against Everton."

He added: "Two goals in the last minute was disappointing so we bounced back well. We played well on Sunday and get a bit lucky, but you need that bit of luck on your side because they hit the woodwork a couple of times.

"But we got the three points and it has taken us into a big game (against Wisla) and the boys have stepped up again. I am sure the boys will step up again on Sunday.

"As a professional footballer you want to play against the best in the world week in, week out. You want to play in the best competitions and that is why everybody loves playing in the Europa League and Premier League. That's what the boys thrive off."

The former Everton striker has now netted eight Europa League goals this season, putting his side out of sight with a neat dink after netting a sublime volley.

Johnson admits his first was one of the best goals of his career, although he maintained the result was more important than any personal success.

"I am pleased [with my goals] but the main thing is the team got the win we needed because obviously we lost at their place the other week so that was quite disappointing," he said. "The first goal was from a great ball from Danny Murphy and that was probably as clean a strike I will hit in my career.

"It was a great ball from Murphs, it was a little bit behind me and it always looks nice when it hits the post and goes in as well. I was delighted to see it go in and it is probably up there with my top two goals. The second was a well worked free-kick and something we have been practising on so I was delighted to get it over the keeper."

Source: PA