By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Bolton Wanderers midfielder Lee Chung-yong continues to make a legitimate case for himself as the best South Korean footballer ever in the English Premier League (EPL).
The 21-year-old scored his fifth goal of the season in the first half to help the Trotters defeat Burnley 1-0 at home Wednesday morning (KST).
With his fifth goal - four in the premiership and one in the FA Cup - Lee tied the record for most goals in a season in the EPL by a South Korean, set by Park Ji-sung of Manchester United in the 2006-07 season.
In addition, the former FC Seoul player, who has also added five assists this season, passed Seol Ki-hyeon for the most combined goals and assists in a single season by a Korean player.
Seol generated four goals and five assists in the 2005-06 season, while playing for Reading FC.
"As we have played games at three-day intervals (from Jan. 17 to 26), I was a little bit tired but satisfied with the first shutout win of the season,'' said Lee, who was given a standing ovation from home fans when he was lifted in stoppage time of the second half.
"I will try to continue to find the net, but my team staying in the Premier League is more important than my goal-scoring."
With their first win of 2010 in three league matches, newly-hired Owen Coyle's side moved out of the bottom-three relegation zone, into 15th with a record of 5-6-10.
The win allowed Bolton to jump four spots - ahead of Hull City, Burnley, Wolverhampton and West Ham United.
The bottom three teams in the EPL standings each year are demoted to the Championship.
Lee, who had an assist in each of the last two games, threatened the Clarets' side from the beginning of his 10th straight start.
After both teams exchanged several chances, Lee broke the deadlock in the 35th minute.
Kevin Davis sent a cross into to the penalty area and a dashing Lee picked it up after a bounce and fired a shot that hit the underside of the bar and crossed the line, which would be all that the Trotters would need.
But Lee, looking in superb form, kept pressing and attacking the opponent's side.
Five minutes into the second half, his mid-range shot was off target but he promptly blasted another shot from the right of the box which was blocked by a defender.
Bolton will play underachievers Liverpool, currently sitting fifth, at Anfield on Saturday.
"I did not play (against Liverpool) in the first half of the season. It might be tough because they are a strong team and the match will be played on the road. I will prepare myself well to face them at my best,'' Lee said.