When will Hwang Ui-jo take the field?
Nottingham Forest defeated Sheffield United 2-1 in the second round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on April 19 at 3:45 a.m. ET. With the win, Nottingham (3 points, 1-1-1) moved up to eighth place in the standings.
Photo courtesy of the Korean Football Association
Photo courtesy of the Korean Football Association
Hwang’s European career began when he joined French side Ligue 1 Bordeaux. He rose to prominence with back-to-back double-digit scoring campaigns in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Last season, Hwang fought to keep Bordeaux in the top flight but was unable to prevent relegation.
After the relegation, Hwang was ready for a new challenge. With Bordeaux in financial trouble, it was important to sell him to raise funds. Nantes, Marseille, Wolverhampton, West Ham United, and other big-name clubs were on the shortlist.
Hwang’s choice was Nottingham. After being promoted to the English Premier League (EPL), the Magpies went on a recruitment spree to compete for promotion, and in the process, Hwang became part of the Nottingham squad. However, it wasn’t until the following season, when he was loaned to Olympiakos, that he made his debut in England.
However, it was not to be. In February, Hwang ended his loan spell with Olympiakos after being constantly shunned and lacking game time. Instead, he signed a short-term deal with FC Seoul to return to the K League. It was the best option for Hwang, who had played for Bordeaux and Olympiakos before his move in the 2022-23 season, as he was unable to stay in Europe.메이저사이트
Under Ahn Ik-soo, Hwang’s faith in him has paid off. His debut goal came in the sixth round against Daegu FC. He then rattled the net against Suwon in Round 8, Incheon United in Round 17, and Pohang Steelers in Round 18, sending the ‘Suho Shin’ (Seoul Supporters) into a frenzy.
In June, Hwang’s loan contract with Seoul expired. The Super Match against Suwon Samsung was a farewell game for Hwang. “I had a tough time at Olympiacos,” he said. During that time, I grew and thought a lot about how to become a good player. After I came to Seoul, I received a lot of love that I really didn’t deserve. I had great teammates, the manager, the coaches, and the staff loved me so much. It was a time when I could feel and think a lot about how to improve as a Korean player in a team called Seoul,” he reflected on his time in Seoul.
Photo: Nottingham Forest
Photo: Nottingham Forest
Hwang then returned to Nottingham for a new challenge. Under Steve Cooper, he played against Notts County, Valencia, Leeds United, PSV Eindhoven, and Stade Rennes. He came off the bench, started, and played as a one-two or three, trying to catch Cooper’s eye. He scored a goal against Notts County and continued to get chances, which raised expectations.
He was included in the first-team squad. Ahead of kick-off, Nottingham announced their squad for the 2023-24 season. Hwang has been given the number 35 shirt, which he wore during pre-season.
Hwang is bidding to become the 15th Korean leaguer in EPL history. He was left off the roster for the first leg against Arsenal. Cooper went with a back three of Morgan Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson, and Danilu, while utilizing substitutes Tywar Awooniyi, Anthony Elanga, and Chris Wood.
Today’s second round opponent is Sheffield Wednesday. They were newly promoted this season, so expectations were high for Danilo to make his debut. Cooper dropped Danilu and started Awooniyi in a back three, with Hwang Ui-jo on the bench.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
The balance was upset early on. In the third minute of the first half, Johnson endured a scuffle and saved the ball. Serge Aurier took the pass and delivered a cross. Awooniyi headed it home.
Nottingham took the reins. In the 13th minute, Gibbs-White cut in from an angle after a pass from Aouni, but his shot was saved by the keeper. In the 14th minute, Gibbs-White had another chance from an Aurier cross, but Aouni’s shot was mis-hit and the chance was wasted.
Sheffield fought back. In the 20th minute, a John Egan header was blocked by the defense, then Oliver Nolwood, Beni Traore, and then Anel Amedozic, but he was ruled offside. In the 32nd minute, Vinicius Soja latches onto a second ball and shoots but is caught.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
After halftime, Sheffield brought on Max Lowe and brought on Yaser Lallouch to chase down the game and quickly equalize. Three minutes into the second half, a second ball from a corner found Gustavo Hammer. His shot from outside the box found the corner of the net to tie the game.
Sheffield took the lead six minutes into the second half when Soja fired a shot off a deflected ball wide right. Nottingham had the last laugh in the 10th minute when Awooniyi rattled the post but was ruled offside.
It was penalty time. Sheffield sent on Ryan Yates, Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood. For Nottingham, Chris Basham, Andre Brooks, and Antoine Hackford took the field.
A theater goal came just before the end. In the 44th minute of the second half, Aurier again delivered a cross from the right flank. Wood, who was on the doorstep, scored with a deflected header. There were no further goals in the remaining time and the game ended with a 2-1 victory for Nottingham.
Hwang’s debut didn’t happen again. The two teammates and competitors for the striker spot had a great game. Awooniyi, who started, lived up to expectations by scoring the opening goal. Wood, who came on as a substitute, scored a theater goal just before the end. Soccer stats outlet CouchScore gave the two players passing grades of 7.4 and 7.3 respectively.
To put it bluntly, it’s a tough competition. Both Aouni and Wood have been favorites of Cooper since last season. Hwang, on the other hand, is all about the impact he made during the preseason. As such, he’ll need to be ready for any opportunity that comes his way. Nottingham will take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England on September 26 at 11pm.
Photo: Getty Images