Hwang Hee-chan continues to struggle as Wolves beat Preston 2-1

Hwang Hee-chan [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Hwang Hee-chan had another disappointing outing Tuesday as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Preston North End 2-1 in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England.

Hwang was back in the starting lineup for the cup fixture after only coming on during the final minutes of a Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. But despite returning to the squad, Hwang’s lackluster performance in front of goal continued and he was unable to make any real impact on the game.

Wolves went on to beat Preston 2-1 with goals from Raul Jimenez in the eighth minute and Adama Traore in the 29th.

Hwang had a chance to make it three in injury time at the first half when — in a moment that could have been a metaphor for his performance over last six months — he scuffed a penalty and wasted an opportunity that should have been an easy goal No. 3.

Preston got one back in the second half with a goal from Ben Woodburn, but the Championship club never really looked like they stood much of a chance.

Hwang was replaced with Goncalo Guedes in the 62nd minute, yet another indication that Wolves manager Bruno Lage is finding it increasingly difficult to ignore the Korean’s long dry spell.

Speaking after the game, Lage went so far as to criticize Jimenez's decision to allow Hwang to take the penalty.

"Raul is a generous guy and also Hwang needs confidence, but this kind of thing is not for confidence and the guy who should take it is Raul," Lage said. "He took a decision to give the penalty to Hwang, but it's not for that, it's for the man who is supposed [to take it]. I know the goals are important for players, but more important for me is the way they perform for the team and not for themselves.

"I understand, but I don't agree and Raul should take the penalty."

Hwang has now failed to score for Wolves for 17 games, 16 in the Premier League and Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fixture. He last found the back of the net on Feb. 24, scoring his fifth goal of his debut Premier League season against Arsenal.

During that period Hwang has picked up two assists and a goal for the national team against Chile on June 6. He has continued to look good on the pitch and his form has appeared solid, suggesting that his sole problem is converting.

Hwang will get his next chance to break out of his long slump on Sunday as Wolves take on Newcastle United in a home Premier league game.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]