Fulham striker Andy Johnson confident of third straight win against Tottenham

 

Simon Peach
Friday 04 November 2011 15:08 GMT
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Andy Johnson produced two fine finishes for Fulham last night
Andy Johnson produced two fine finishes for Fulham last night (GETTY IMAGES)

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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 last night's Europa League defeat of 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.

Last night's 4-1 victory came on the back of the west Londoners' first away win of the season at Wigan and Johnson believes the side can continue their good form against Spurs this weekend.

"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.

"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.

"The three points give us a great chance of qualifying.

"It is a massive competition, we got to the final a couple of years ago, so everyone in and around Fulham knows how important it is to the club.

"It is to us as well and I am delighted to keep on scoring.

"Hopefully I can carry that on this Sunday."

Johnson is likely to start in attack against Spurs with Bobby Zamora, who will be coming up against the side he spent a brief spell with.

"The last couple of years we have put in some good performances against them," Zamora said.

"It would be nice to win but it will be tough to win.

"They are a great side with some top, top players so we know it is going to be tough.

"We are at home, which is massive.

"We've got a great record at home and hopefully we can put in a good performance again and get a good result."

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