Friends of Fulham

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: TonyGilroy on February 04, 2010, 07:14:56 PM

Title: Jonathan Greening
Post by: TonyGilroy on February 04, 2010, 07:14:56 PM

I don't think he's received the appreciation he deserves.

The results with him in the side have been significantly better than when he's left out.

Last night he played wide left and we saw constant endeavour and nous from him. Crosses, attempts on goal and potential assists.

This was one of the few games when he's had an attacking remit but still we saw the midfield shielding and tackling. When playing in front of the defence he's stayed disciplined. Presumably playing to instructions whatever they might be.

A good player IMO.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: Hazey on February 04, 2010, 07:24:55 PM
Agreed.  Seems to be able to slot in and do a job wherever he is asked.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: Tktd on February 04, 2010, 07:37:20 PM

Tony - do you have any statistics?... Do you have statistics showing the results when he's in the side and when he's not? Win/Draw/Lose!?

Would be interesting to see them!
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: TonyGilroy on February 04, 2010, 07:40:21 PM

Can't be bothered to work it out but he played throughout the period when we climbed to 9th and missed the 5 defeats in a row.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: Scrumpy on February 04, 2010, 08:10:10 PM
He is fast becoming a favourite of mine. He is very consistent, his tempo is always high (even against the likes of Swindon, when others could not raise their game) and he niggles away at the opposition forcing them to make mistakes.

Personally, I think he should keep his place.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: dannydog on February 04, 2010, 08:35:28 PM
He is in my opinion a very cultured footballer , you are right we were far more successful with him in the side . I am surprised he didn't play on the right last night as he is right footed with Duff on the left , he is also good with set pieces .
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: Jimpav on February 04, 2010, 09:06:49 PM
Adds a bit of aggression to the side. I like him-very tough for a Christian.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: FFCOutpostCommander on February 04, 2010, 09:39:18 PM
I thought that last night was his best performance to date, even if you exclude the goal. He always looked a bit short of ideas in the middle, but seemed to have lots to offer on the wing. Sure did cover a lot of ground throughout the match. Always a hard worker regardless of the opposition. Like to see more of him.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: OldBrownShoe on February 04, 2010, 10:24:07 PM
Good player, seems rather under-rated by some. Should keep his place on last night's performance. Have been watching the "Skylights" of the game.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: FC Silver Fox on February 04, 2010, 10:57:00 PM
Very creative last night. He had a great game and was the best midfielder we had.
Anyone notice he's not Jesus Christ  any more?  It must be the new smooth streamlined look that's making him play better.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: Jimpav on February 04, 2010, 11:03:46 PM
Quote from: FC Silver Fox on February 04, 2010, 10:57:00 PM
Very creative last night. He had a great game and was the best midfielder we had.
Anyone notice he's not Jesus Christ  any more?  It must be the new smooth streamlined look that's making him play better.

Are you suggesting a resurrection or a second coming FC/Silver Fox?

Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: LRCN on February 04, 2010, 11:18:00 PM
he was good last night, not so much as an attacking threat (although he did get a goal, which isn't bad) BUT his defensive play was really good, made some good tackles and worked hard.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: os5889 on February 04, 2010, 11:27:27 PM
He and Shorey were very balanced, Shorey very attack minded and Greening covering the gap
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: The Equalizer on February 05, 2010, 08:07:24 AM
Greening does like his crosses...   ;)

He died for our sins, he died for our siiiins, Jonathan Greening, he died for our sins....
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: dancrawford on February 05, 2010, 08:08:08 AM
In answer to the questions further up the thread, I did some digging:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5234)
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: TonyGilroy on February 05, 2010, 08:21:11 AM

Less difference than I'd have thought but my hunch is that if you limited it to Prem matches where he started and played most of the match, the difference would be greater.

I've no time today but I might look at that over the weekend to see if I'm right.

The Europa League is different. We've seen Riise and Kelly do well in those but unable to impress in League matches.

Greening seems to offer the discipline that Hodgson wants and needs. He does what he's supposed to do and if the entire team does that we tend not to concede and create the odd chance which might be taken.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: TonyGilroy on February 05, 2010, 08:22:28 AM
One more post and I get to be a reserve.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: dancrawford on February 05, 2010, 09:50:01 AM
Updated with league stats:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5234)

The bottom line is, you were right Tony.

Right, got to get on with some work now ;) ...
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: TonyGilroy on February 05, 2010, 09:58:09 AM
Quote from: dancrawford on February 05, 2010, 09:50:01 AM
Updated with league stats:

http://hammyend.com/?p=5234 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5234)

The bottom line is, you were right Tony.

Right, got to get on with some work now ;) ...

Thanks.

Worth spelling out.

With Greening 22 points from 14 games = 1.57 points per match

Without its 8 points from 10 games = 0.8 points per game.

Over a season that would be 60 points or 30 - The difference between European qualification and relegation.
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: richie17 on February 05, 2010, 11:56:00 AM
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/greening-neither-a-problem-nor-a-solution/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/05/greening-neither-a-problem-nor-a-solution/)

think we might be overstating his impact slightly.  In short, we've overachieved with him and without him - he has played in some of the games we would be expected to win...
Title: Re: Jonathan Greening
Post by: boplogic on February 05, 2010, 02:11:48 PM
In addition to his good play on Wednesday and his earlier contributions, I like that in his post-match comments after his winner against Pompey he had the class and generosity to deflect criticism of Okaka's earlier miss by confessing that what had been seen as a nodded pass from him to Okaka was in fact a misdirected shot on goal.