Jeju United continued where they left off last season, and are top of the K-League table after recording three wins in their first three games. Their good start was built on a solid back-line that has yet to concede in the league this season, with the pick of their wins being a three-nil victory over Ulsan. Just behind Jeju in the table are Seoul and Jeonbuk with seven points apiece. Jeonbuk needed a last minute Kim Shin-wook goal to get past local rivals Jeonnam Dragons in their opening fixture, while a controversial penalty call helped Seoul turn the tide in their two-one win over Gwangju. Last season’s top two face each other in the first match back after the international break.
Down at the bottom, Jeonnam Dragons are the only team yet to pick up a point, although their fans can take some solace in the fact that they have had some difficult opening fixtures. The same goes for eleventh placed Suwon Bluewings, who had to face Seoul and Jeonbuk in the opening two rounds. Incheon United and newcomers Daegu FC are both level on points with Suwon with just two points each.
The start of the season hasn’t been without controversies. The turf at the Jeonju Civic Stadium, Jeonbuk’s temporary home ground, and at Gangwon’s Alpensia Ski Jump Arena has been in a terrible state, partly due to it being laid just before the start of the season. As a result, home fans of both teams have yet to see the quality football that their big-money squads should be able to offer. On the plus side, the KFA have been more proactive with their use of video evidence to punish players retrospectively, with FC Seoul’s Go Yohan, and Suwon’s Seo Jungjin picking up bans for violent conduct and dangerous play respectively. They have also expelled referee Kim Seongho after reviewing his performance in the match between FC Seoul and Gwangju FC.
Down at the bottom, Jeonnam Dragons are the only team yet to pick up a point, although their fans can take some solace in the fact that they have had some difficult opening fixtures. The same goes for eleventh placed Suwon Bluewings, who had to face Seoul and Jeonbuk in the opening two rounds. Incheon United and newcomers Daegu FC are both level on points with Suwon with just two points each.
The start of the season hasn’t been without controversies. The turf at the Jeonju Civic Stadium, Jeonbuk’s temporary home ground, and at Gangwon’s Alpensia Ski Jump Arena has been in a terrible state, partly due to it being laid just before the start of the season. As a result, home fans of both teams have yet to see the quality football that their big-money squads should be able to offer. On the plus side, the KFA have been more proactive with their use of video evidence to punish players retrospectively, with FC Seoul’s Go Yohan, and Suwon’s Seo Jungjin picking up bans for violent conduct and dangerous play respectively. They have also expelled referee Kim Seongho after reviewing his performance in the match between FC Seoul and Gwangju FC.
