Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Midweek Preview May 19 and Weekend Recap May 15

Unfortunately, Ji So Yun and Chelsea's run came to an abrupt end as they struggled to handle Barcelona's press and also failed to convert their own chances when they did get into attack. Ji seemed to do better as she pushed up later in the match but it wasn't a great showcase on the day. Disappointing end to a great run but a good season otherwise, with a title, a league cup and still in the hunt for the FA Cup.


DayTimePlayerClubOpponentTV
Wednesday1:00 PMSon Heung MinTottenhamAston VillaPeacock



Son Heung Min-- Looked pretty sharp when he got the ball though the flow of the match didn't go his way too much. Son did help ice the match when he found Bale on the break who couldn't score but had a rebound for Hojbjerg to knock in. Son looked confident despite the inconsistency of the team and we will see if off-pitch drama around a potential transfer for Kane impact Son as he starts thinking about his own future. Son should start midweek.


Recap

Hwang Ui Jo-- Hwang and co needed a win when other relegation candidates won and Bordeaux was able to deliver. The match started off pretty poorly with many mistakes in possession and defending. Hwang looked better when he was in a playmaking mode, particularly in the second half when he setup a golden chance for his teammate. He struggled more to create in isolation, being overpowered physically at times and not tricky enough to offset a lack of explosiveness. Hwang did create a good moment but his shot was deflected just wide and he equaled Park Chu Young's record for season goals by a Korean in L1 by scoring a PK. Unfortunately, he appeared to have pulled something as he was subbed off a bit past the hour. It didn't look major as he tried to play through and walked off on his own power but its not a welcome turn with the final match looking so critical.


Ji Dong Won-- Came on as a sub and had a positive impact with an assist, and a large negative one with a red card that leaves him out of the finale and the first leg of a possible relegation playoff.


Jeong Woo Yeong-- Came on with 20 to go and almost had an instant impact, taking a tricky ball and feeding it to Haberer who almost beat the GK. Jeong did well to play within himself in a potential emotional match vs. his old club and desire to impress. He had a good defensive moment and made good decisions. Not a great showing but stable and good is progress maturity-wise.


Kwon Chang Hoon-- An unused sub and we'll see if Kwon plays for Freiburg ever again.


Lee Jae Sung-- A real disappointing match as Kiel failed to secure promotion and will now need to win on the final matchday. LJS had a lot of energy but still looked far from his best either in a deeper role to start or when he was pushed up later. It wasn't all bad as he flashed a bit of quality here and there but wasn't consistently dangerous as he can be.


Choi Kyoung Rok-- Still out with injury.


Hwang Hee Chan-- HHC came on with twenty minutes left in a possible sign that he's moved up past Sorloth on the depth chart albeit overdue and too late. Hwang provided good energy and looked to be more integrated with his team. Although he wasn't a major part in Leipzig coming back to earn a draw, it was a good showing given circumstances.


Yun Il Lok-- Was in squad apparently due to some missing players but didn't play.


Suk Hyun Jun-- Came on as a sub and apparently had a few moments... but not much on the line and they can celebrate being L2 champions with their win.


Lee Kang In-- A start and played 80 which is a decent sign. Couldn't watch as wasn't aired in favor of a live highlights show, but the run of Valencia winning when he starts continues.