Johnson: We've done what good teams do
Glen Johnson considers Liverpool's response to their setback at Hull City seven days ago – successive Anfield victories over Norwich City and West Ham United – to have been 'brilliant'.
The Reds' 4-1 win at home to the Hammers, one of the defender's former clubs, lifted Brendan Rodgers' team above Chelsea and Manchester City into second place in the Barclays Premier League.
Six points and nine goals in three days also provided the evidence for the character within the dressing room, following a shock to the system on Humberside last Sunday.
"It's what good teams do - bounce back after a disappointing result," Johnson reflected to Liverpoolfc.com. "I think we have done that brilliantly in both games.
"I think we played well. We have played better, but we scored four good goals and did more than enough to win the game. It's important to score at the right times during games; to get one just before half-time and one just after is always nice."
With Liverpool leading 2-1 but West Ham's morale boosted by Martin Skrtel's own goal, Johnson created the goal which settled any nerves, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Luis Suarez to head home.
The 29-year-old explained: "I knew I had plenty of space out wide and I knew Philippe would find me. Luis was the only man in the box so I had to pick him out."
Steven Gerrard suffered a hamstring strain on Saturday and was substituted for midfield colleague Lucas Leiva shortly before the hour mark as a precaution.
When the captain departed the action, he sought out his England international teammate to pass on the armband for the remainder of the clash - a moment Johnson won't forget.
He said: "It was a proud moment. It's a fantastic football club and I've been around for a while now with the team. It was unfortunate circumstances - no-one wanted to see Stevie go off - but I was more than proud to be able to wear the armband."
Rodgers' charges return to Premier League action next Sunday, when they travel south to face off with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
"We are playing well, we're confident," the Reds' No.2 concluded. "We'll take each game as it comes and try to pick up as many points on the road as we can."