West Ham youngster Ben Johnson was handed a surprise debut in last night’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
With Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku absent, Manuel Pellegrini had to call upon Johnson at left-back.
Naturally a right-back, the 19-year-old became West Ham’s first ever Premier League player born in the 21st century. And it was an assured debut by Johnson, who was thrown in at the deep end against the Premier League champions.
Ben Johnson’s debut in numbers
Johnson started against Pep Guardiola’s side and played 62 minutes before being replaced by ex-Man City hero Pablo Zabaleta.
With one tackle, one interception and three clearances (Who Scored), the teenage defender proved he could hold his own in the Premier League.
Johnson also linked up quite well with Felipe Anderson down the left wing, completing just under 80 per cent of his passes (Who Scored).
The West Ham academy graduate was handed a tough challenge and he coped with the occasion admirably before he felt his calf in the second half.
Below are some opinions from West Ham fans discussing Johnson’s debut.
https://twitter.com/BeatTheBatak/status/1100884744986939392
https://twitter.com/WHULUVA/status/1100894760162729984
https://twitter.com/Polish__Prince1/status/1100925862097108992
https://twitter.com/spyinthesky/status/1100894352434491392