Kim Bo-kyung helped underdog Cardiff City to a stunning 3-2 win over Manchester City on Sunday, playing the catalyst for the team’s equalizer midway through the second half.
Starting for Cardiff in the team’s home game against the manchester powerhouse in the English Premier League, Kim clocked in 89 minutes and was effective throughout the match. Although he failed to record a goal or an assist, he was the creator of Aron Gunnarsson’s equalizer 15 minutes into the second half.
Kim eluded several defenders to burst into the penalty area and connect a pass to Fraizer Campbell. Campbell’s shot was deflected by goalkeeper Joe Hart but Gunnarsson followed in and was able to net a goal.
Boosted by Gunnarsson’s goal and two more by the game’s MVP Campbell, Cardiff completed the upset over City, last year’s runner-up for the league championship.
While Kim’s performance was far from eye-popping, it was an indicator that the 24-year-old may develop into a solid player in the English league.
Goal.com awarded Kim 3.5 out of 5, level with three other teammates and behind Campbell and Gary Medel who received four and a half stars and four stars, respectively.
Sports network Sky Sports assessed Kim’s performance to be in the middle of the pack, giving him a team average rating of 7 out of 10.
“Looks like he can impress at this level,” it commented.
Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand chimed in, saying “Told ya, the boy Kim is a player,” on his Twitter account.
Fans at Goal.com appeared to think less of Kim, however, as they voted the South Korean “flop of the match.”
Kim told South Korean media that the game was satisfactory and vowed to “keep on growing each match.”
(
khnews@heraldcorp.com)