Recap: FC Seoul 0-1 Incheon United

Incheon United manager Jørn Andersen masterminded his side to a 1-0 victory over their Gyeongin Derby rivals FC Seoul, their second in 2018. The win also meant that the Durumi have successfully managed to avoid automatic relegation heading into the final game of the season. However, d

erby day defeat for FC Seoul has rendered Choi Yongsoo's side with their K League 1 status still in the balance and in need of a positive result away to Sangju on the final day.

In a game where only one point was required to guarantee safety, an insipid and lethargic FC Seoul side fell to a 1-0 home reverse to Incheon United. Central midfielder Han Seokjong fired in the game's decisive goal early on that saw the Durumi soar up over Sangju and into tenth place.

Seoul gaffer Choi Yongsoo made just one change to the starting lineup that beat Jeonnam Dragons last time out, opting for Park Chuyoung to partner Yun Jutae in attack with Ha Daesung making way for Go Yohan to drop into central midfield.

However, Choi's opposite number, Norwegian manager Jørn Andersen, served up a few surprises with his team selection. The former North Korea head coach left top scorer Stefan Mugoša, as well as the league's leading assist maker, Elías Aguilar on the bench with Moon Seonmin as the lone striker and Kim Boseop preferred on the left wing.

Andersen's bold team selection paid dividends, though, and with just eight minutes on the clock, his side had their noses in front. Seoul's frailties from set-pieces were all to evident once again as, after failing to clear their lines and win the second ball, Incheon took the lead through Han Seokjong.

Left winger, Kim Boseop, earned his side a corner after an attempted cross was blocked by Seoul full-back Yun Jongkyu. Moon Seonmin sent in a right-footed cross towards the front post where Seoul striker Park Chuyoung's header went only as far as Hwang Kiwook at the far post. Hwang's header cleared the initial danger but fell right into the path of Han Seokjong less than 10 yards out. The 26 year-old former Gangwon midfielder took a touch before finding the far corner.

Seoul were laboured and cumbersome in attack, and struggled to get out of second gear for most of the afternoon. In the second period, Choi Yongsoo brought on Evandro for centre back Kim Namchoon to switch to a 4-3-3. However, the hosts were still incapable of creating any clear-cut chances and so winger Cho Youngwook was brought on for defensive midfielder Hwang Kiwook, with Seoul morphing into a 4-2-4. 

Seoul's plan of attack of getting the ball into the likes of Yun Jongkyu and Yun Sukyoung on the flanks to try and find space in behind towards the touchline might have proved more fruitful had there been even an ounce of conviction in the way which they went about their business.

But, a distinct lack of composure in front of goal limited Seoul to just four shots on target from 14 attempts. Go Yohan's air kick 12 yards out, and a couple of tame Park Chuyoung efforts being prime examples. 

Smelling blood, Incheon made a couple of attacking changes of their own too and introduced Mugoša and Appiah-Kubi in the second half. Whilst Seoul were struggling to get a foothold in the game, Incheon were in total control.

Knowing when to keep their shape and frustrate the hosts, or try to hit Seoul on the counter, the Durumi were good value for the win. The visitors had more energy, seemed that little bit quicker and sharper to every ball and, frankly, had the desire to see the game out once they went in front.

The victory moves Incheon up to tenth and with their destiny in their own hands heading into the final game of the season, a home fixture with already relegated Jeonnam Dragons. FC Seoul, meanwhile, need a point from their away trip to Sangju Sangmu.

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