Gwangju FC earn first point in battling Ulsan Hyundai performance
Gwangju earned their first point of the season surviving a second-half Ulsan Hyundai onslaught in a much-improved performance. Kim Do-hoon's Ulsan side failed to take advantage of Jeonbuk Hyundai's slip up earlier in the day and remain second in K League 1.
What Happened?
Returning from injury, Eom Won-sang remained calm in the box to strike home on 12 minutes after Felipe had caused havoc in the box. In a pulsating game Ulsan equalised with some good fortune as Lee Han-do steered a teasing cross past his own keeper Lee Jin-hyung. Lee ensured the score remained level going into the break pushing Junior Negrao's flick wide of the post on 45 minutes.The second half started at the same frantic tempo but failed to see any clear cut chances until Kim In-sung struck the post on 65 minutes. The visitors dominated possession for the final thirty minutes after Gwangju legs began to tire. However, the Yellows new central defensive pairing of Lee Han-do and Hong Joon-ho batted away everything the Horangi had to offer.
An attacking impetus at last
For the first time this season Gwangju represented a goal threat utilizing the pace of Eom Won-sang and Doo Hyeon-seok on the wings. Gwangju looked dangerous and a lot of that came through Eom Won-sang who embodied everything that the Yellows had been lacking in a dynamic and fearless performance. Park Jin-seop certainly encouraged an increased tempo out of his players who fired far more efforts at goal than they have in recent weeks.
While Doo Hyun-seok by no means performed poorly today, the return of Willyan would give them real quality on both wings. Park Jin-seop should also persist with Choi Jun-hyeok sitting in front of the defence as his presence stifled many Ulsan attacks.
Kim Do-hoon tinkering
For the second week in succession Ulsan have failed to see off newly-promoted sides while making changes to their starting 11. Kim Do-hoon still boasted a very strong line-up but changing the back four each week can only be disruptive. Jason Davidson added more balance having a left-footed player to whip balls into Junior but Lee Dong-gyeong failed to have the effect that Lee Chung-yong might have had.What Do They Need To Do Now?
Gwangju travel to Suwon Samsung Bluewings next Sunday for a fixture that they should have full belief they can win. Despite being comfortably beaten by Lee Lim-saeng's side in the FA Cup last season, the Yellows should travel confidently judging by today's improved performance.
Kim Do-hoon's Horangi face another stern test next Saturday as they travel to face Pohang Steelers in the East Coast derby. It will be a dressing room full of frustration having dropped points against sides they would expect to beat. They would do well to remember; it's a marathon not a sprint.
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