Lion of the Weekend - Glen Johnson


"The first goal is always the most important one" - Claudio Ranieri

"Redemption for being sent off in Rome" - The Sun

"Thunderous strike" - Evening Standard

Chelsea's 10 outfield players against Newcastle on Sunday included nine full internationals - and Glen Johnson.

But that will surely be rectified as soon after Johnson's outstanding performance at Stamford Bridge.

Johnson has already gone down in history as Chelsea's first signing of the Roman Ambramovich era and the £6million teenager showed the likes of Crespo, Mutu and Duff the way to goal this weekend.

After 24 minutes of domination, it was Johnson who coolly thumped home the first goal with the panache of a World Cup centre-forward.

His superb centre triggered the move for Chelsea's second netted by Crespo.

At times after that he looked like an old-fashioned winger using both feet to bamboozle a weary Newcastle defence.

It was the perfect way to forget the red card Johnson received against Lazio on Wednesday night, the only blemish on Chelsea's outstanding 4-0 win in the Champions League.

"I was angry with Glen after that game," said manager Claudio Ranieri, who was delighted with his player's response and believes the under-21 player can make the full step up to the full England squad.

I am very pleased with him," said Ranieri. "He is a young player, a good player who can improve a lot and I am sure if he continues on this way he will be a very good player for England."

Johnson's goal was a beauty. Wayne Bridge's cross missed the big guns inside the six-yard box and the young right-back was able to coolly chest the ball down and crack a rising shot past Shay Given.

Johnson then delivered a terrific cross which led to Chelsea's second goal. Titus Bramble could only head the curving centre straight to Damien Duff who promptly set up Crespo to score.

For the rest of the game it was showtime for Chelsea and Johnson pulling off one dragback with his 'wrong' left foot to give himself space to cross.

No wonder Chelsea fans think anything is possible - even a first championship since 1955.

Lion of the Weekend - Weekly Awards


James Beattie 2
Paul Scholes 2

Shola Ameobi 1
David Beckham 1
Jermain Defoe 1
Steve Gerrard 1
Emile Heskey 1
Glen Johnson 1
Frank Lampard 1
Michael Owen 1
Wayne Rooney 1
John Terry 1

by Joe Bernstein

TheFA.com will announce their Lion of the Weekend every Monday. A Lion of the Season award will be announced in May based on the number of weekly nominations