South Korean Forwards Achieve Personal Milestones Despite Team Challenges

Courtesy of Son Heung-min's instagram

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur and Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers have concluded their 2023-2024 Premier League seasons, marked by individual accomplishments overshadowed by their clubs' difficulties.

Son Heung-min recorded an assist in Tottenham's 3-0 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, England, on Sunday. This assist, which led to the first of Dejan Kulusevski's two goals, brought Son's season totals to 17 goals and 10 assists. It was the third time Son achieved double figures in both categories in a Premier League season. He tied for third place in assists with eight other players.
 

▲ Courtesy of Son Heung-min's instagram

At 31, Son became the sixth player in Premier League history—and the first Asian—to achieve double figures in both goals and assists in at least three seasons, joining Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Mohamed Salah. Son has now scored in double figures for eight consecutive seasons, with his 17 goals placing him eighth in the league. He reached his 120th goal this season, tying with Steven Gerrard for 22nd on the all-time list, and played his 400th match for Tottenham in April. Despite his efforts and being named the club's captain, Tottenham had another disappointing season.

Tottenham began the season with a 10-match unbeaten streak, which included eight wins and two draws, followed by a five-match winless run, featuring three consecutive losses. Their inconsistent performance continued, culminating in four straight losses from mid-April to early May, which eliminated their chances of a top-four finish and a UEFA Champions League spot. The victory over Sheffield United allowed Tottenham to secure fifth place with 66 points and a spot in the UEFA Europa League next season. 

▲ Courtesy of Hwang Hee-chan's instagramOn the same day, Hwang Hee-chan and Wolverhampton Wanderers were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield. Hwang ended the season with a career-high 12 goals and three assists. Wolverhampton finished 14th with 46 points, avoiding relegation but remaining far from contention. They won only two of their last 11 matches.

Hwang, hindered by injuries, participated in 29 of the club's 38 matches. Despite his injury struggles, Wolverhampton showed confidence in Hwang by offering him a new contract in December, extending his stay until 2028, with an option for an additional year.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com