The silence of FC Seoul striker Hwang Eui-jo is getting longer.
Seoul drew 1-1 in the 14th round of the Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023 against Jeju United held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 20th.
Both teams, who added 1 point each, recorded 24 points with 7 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses, and Seoul, which was 2 goals ahead in goal difference, maintained second place. The sole chance for second place went to Pohang Steelers.
On this day, Hwang Ui-jo started as a forward striker in a 5-4-1 formation and played 69 minutes, but the match ended without a goal.
Before he knew it, he was scoreless in his 5th game. This season he made 13 league appearances but scored only 2 goals. With the addition of 2 assists, the total number of attack points is only 4.
Of course, Hwang Ui-jo cannot be evaluated as a simple goalscorer. At the forefront, compete with the opponent’s defender to defend the right to attack, or when defending, actively press to bring possession of the ball.
An active infiltration movement creates cracks in the defensive line, and supplies accurate passes when colleagues infiltrate the space that looks like this.
Seoul coach Ahn Ik-soo said, “It is true that Hwang Eui-jo scored two goals, but he is worth 15 goals.”
However, it is regrettable that the frontline striker lacks the necessary decisiveness. Hwang Eui-jo gave his teammates several chances against Jeju that day. But he couldn’t make up his mind even though there were situations he could solve on his own.
Hwang Eui-jo diligently moved back and forth between the center and the side throughout the game. He also put up a direct cross or passed the ball wide, then received the ball from the center and gave his teammates a shooting opportunity.
In the middle of the first half, he took the ball directly from the opponent and created a shooting opportunity after exchanging a one-two pass with Osmar.
However, he made a poor decision in the first half extra time opportunity. When Na Sang-ho broke through the center and gave up an infiltration pass, Jeju’s defensive line completely collapsed. Upon receiving this, Hwang Ui-jo gave it to the side instead of shooting, even though there was no defender in front of him.
Of course, the angle was not good for his right-footer Hwang Ui-jo to handle with his left foot, but he had enough time to go out once more and hit the shot with his right foot.
Hwang Ui-jo missed the opportunity to take the lead as Hwang Ui-jo gave it to the side without hitting the shot.
As a result, Hwang Ui-jo failed to record an offensive point in the match against Jeju and was substituted out in the 24th minute of the second half. Hwang Ui-jo, whose scoreless record in the league increased to five games, expressed regret by kicking the ground as he left the stadium.
Seoul also conceded the opening goal and managed to tie the score, recording a draw, postponing the chance to rise to second place alone in the league 안전놀이터.
After playing in Seoul until this summer, Hwang Ui-jo will return to his original team, Nottingham Forest. He has little time left to play, but he desperately needs a goal to continue his competition for the starting position in Nottingham.