As responses go, the Gulls offered a devastating reaction to the end of their incredible winning run.
They moved four points clear at the top of the National League South thanks to their 7-2 win.
As their rivals dropped points, emphatic Torquay won for the tenth time in eleven matches.
Johnson said: “I was proud of the performance, the players were outstanding.
“The boys were fantastic in the first half. Oxford are no mugs - but I didn’t expect five goals in the first 45 minutes.
“We reacted superbly to the set-back at Bath City. I had confidence that we would as I know the players.
“It was difficult for us last weekend and we knew we had to give the fans something after that.
“This week we took advantage of other teams slipping up. Hopefully there are more days like this.”