Recap: Gwangju FC in dismal FC Seoul showing

Gwangju fell to a second consecutive K League 1 defeat, registering just one shot on target as FC Seoul ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Han Chan-hee's 65th-minute strike. 

What Happened?

Seoul enjoyed the better of the first half with their returning striker Adriano seeing a couple of efforts flash just wide. Park Jin-seop's Gwangju failed to register a shot at goal or even a corner before the interval despite having plenty of the ball. In fact, the first 45 minutes were most notable for Seoul's decision to place life-size dolls behind the goal.

The second half saw more goal-mouth action with Han Chan-hee breaking the deadlock on 65 minutes. As the Yellow's defence dawdled in clearing a bouncing ball, former Jeonnam Dragons midfielder Han struck with venom from 25 yards. Seoul saw out the victory without any real danger as substitutes Lim Min-hyeok and Kim Hyo-gi failed to change the game in Gwangju's favour.

                                          [READ: Writers' 2020 K League 1 predictions]

What Went Well?

The 4-4-2 experiment sprung upon Gwangju's squad in their return to K League 1 was abandoned as soon as their second game with a return to the midfield three favoured in last season's title-winning campaign. Park Jeong-soo's experience showed in the middle of the park with the whole team appearing more comfortable on the ball. The partnership between Rustam Ashurmatov and Lee Han-do was more solid, with Hong Joon-ho looking comfortable in a back three.

What Didn't Go Well?

While the Yellows undoubtedly looked sturdier throughout, they did sacrifice a lot of their attacking intent. Naive in defeat to Seongnam FC, they still created clear opportunities and gave Felipe something to work with up front. Kim Ju-gong forced more experienced striking options to watch him from the bench but the pair failed to combine. On a couple of occasions Felipe failed to gamble on decent balls across the box from Kim, perhaps a lack of match sharpness resulting from the unorthodox pre-season.

After conceding to Han Chan-hee's well-struck opener, an air of panic did seem to set into Gwangju's play. Ageing midfielders Yeo Reum and Park Jeong-soo pressed over the half-way line, which seems a plan lacking longevity.

What Do They Need To Do Now?

Gwangju have only mustered three shots on target in their opening two games, which should be Park Jin-seop's most pressing concern. Travelling to a rejuvenated Sangju Sangmu next weekend, the Yellows will contend with a side brimming with confidence after their defeat of Gangwon FC. The difference between Korea's two professional tiers has been laid bare for all to see in the Yellows return to K League 1 and with Ulsan Hyundai visiting Jeollanamdo after the trip to Sangju, getting a point on the board appears imperative.