Match Review
Tokyo, having survived the first five matches with 4 wins, 1 loss, and 10 points, sitting in 3rd place, aims to build momentum heading into the mid-season break. The team, which played 4 of the 5 matches at home, will now face a congested schedule including a midweek away match, embarking on a three-game away streak. While maintaining a stance of winning each match, head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI made the players aware that the view after these three matches might become clear. He emphasized the importance of the points gained in this three-game stretch to fully engage in the serious title race.
For the first match, an away game against Mito Hollyhock, the manager selected the same members as the previous match. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu was chosen, with the back line consisting of Naruki Muroya, Alexander SCHOLZ, Rio OMORI, and Yuto NAGATOMO from right to left. The defensive midfielders were Kota Tokiwa and Kento HASHIMOTO, with attackers Keito Sato on the right and Ryunosuke SATO on the left. Up front, Marcelo Hian and Motoki NAGAKURA formed the attacking duo.
For Sho OMORI, who recorded his first clean sheet in his first start after returning to the Red and Blue last match, this will be his first J1 League match against his older brother Sho OMORI, who belongs to Mito. "Since we were always in J2, I'm looking forward to finally facing each other in J1. With a winning streak on the line, I want to show aggressiveness and stability," he said enthusiastically. Also, Leon NOZAWA was named to the bench for the first time this season. Attention is also focused on the attacker who shows bold play. The match kicked off at 14:03 under clear skies at K's denki Stadium Mito.
1stHALF—Searching for a path to the goal by changing attacking strategies
Both teams showed an aggressive attitude from the start, trying to maintain a high position and advance the game. Tokyo's first shot came in the 10th minute of the first half. After a quick pass, player Muroya sent a low cross, and Kento HASHIMOTO aimed at the rebound with a mid-range shot. Although it was blocked by the opponent, Tokyo demonstrated a solid attack.
While maintaining possession of the ball and searching for a breakthrough, Mito showed concentrated defense, so they pulled back and mixed in long balls to find attacking opportunities. In the 20th minute of the first half, they created a chance from Ryū Satō's left corner kick, but the chaotic situation in front of the goal was blocked by Mito's numerical defense, and the goal net did not shake.
Immediately after that, Nagatomo was forced to leave the game due to an injury, and in a scramble, Kento HASHIMOTO was brought in. He then took the position of left side back.
Mito shows compact defense with multiple players closing in on the ball. When Tokyo's Muroya made a ground pass to switch the side, Sato Ryu sent a mistimed return pass, and Sato Kei's shot, who rushed to the far side, just missed over the bar.
In the 35th minute of the first half, midfielder Kento HASHIMOTO broke free to head a long, threading feed from player Omori, but the ball, which he skillfully tried to redirect, did not go as intended and was caught by the opposing goalkeeper. It was a dynamic attack that created a big chance in an instant, but unfortunately did not result in the opening goal.
At the 44th minute of the first half, a long counterattack was launched quickly forward, but Mito also returned swiftly and prevented the shot. The first half continued with both teams aggressively defending and neutralizing each other's strengths, and even during the 3 minutes of additional time, the score remained unchanged, leaving the outcome of the match to be decided in the second half.
2ndHALF—Equalized immediately after taking the lead and brought back 2 points from the penalty shootout
In the second half, we want to prevent the opponent from showing their strengths and demonstrate our own power. The blue and red eleven took the pitch, cheered on by the chant "Put your passion into it! Seize the championship."
However, from the very beginning, we were pushed into the attacking third and faced a series of major crises. The first crisis was prevented by player Sungyu, and the following scene was saved by the right post. At the same time as building our attacking shape, it became a period that strongly made us aware of the necessity to thoroughly implement risk management.
After that, Mito continued to show good initial momentum, resulting in a period of being on the defensive.
It was the 14th minute of the second half, after a difficult period. After tenaciously connecting the ball to the left in midfield, Kento HASHIMOTO delivered a sharp cross to the far side with his left foot, where Muroya met it with a right-footed direct volley to score the opening goal! With a powerful strike focused on solid contact, Tokyo took a step forward.
However, immediately after, in the 16th minute, Watanabe scored from inside the penalty area, conceding a goal. The equalizer was allowed shortly after taking the lead.
Tokyo, wanting to seize the momentum, brought on Keita ENDO and Kei KOIZUMI in the 19th minute of the second half, replacing Ryu SATO and Tokiwa. They entrusted the activation of the pitch to both players, who can demonstrate strength in one-on-one situations.
Tokyo struggled to create attacking opportunities as they wished and could not break free from Mito's momentum. Mito pressed quickly on the ball holder and maintained tight defense, not allowing Tokyo any freedom. In the 31st minute of the second half, Endo attempted a right-footed long-range shot from a loose ball after a right corner kick, but it narrowly missed to the left of the goal and they could not secure the go-ahead goal.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Coach Matsuhashi made the final substitution. He took off players Hian and Kei Sato, bringing in Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Fuki YAMADA. NAKAGAWA was positioned at the front line, and YAMADA was placed as the right attacker to aim for the winning goal.
In the 41st minute of the second half, they faced consecutive major threats from counters and set pieces, but thanks to Sungyu's fine saves and the defense's physical blocks, no goals were conceded.
In the final stages, Tokyo pressed into Mito's territory with a strong attack, but could not create a clear scoring opportunity. Even with 5 minutes of additional time, the match remained unchanged, and Tokyo withstood Mito's fierce assault until time was up. The outcome of the match was left to a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout was taken towards the Aoaka family. After both teams scored five each, in the sixth round, Mito missed by hitting the left post, and Tokyo's Kento HASHIMOTO scored with his left foot to secure the victory. Following the first two matches of the season, all players successfully converted their penalty kicks, and despite the struggle, they managed to bring back 2 points from the away game.
Interview with Manager Rikizo MATSUHASHI
Q, please summarize today's match.
A, first of all, I am glad that we were able to secure 2 points. Not to compare, but in the previous match, we earned 3 points while being able to play our game throughout. However, in this match, I think there were many moments where we were pressured by Mito Hollyhock's excellent play and found ourselves at a disadvantage. Still, even in such situations, I believe the players demonstrated the ability to secure 2 points. That this ultimately led to the final result is very important for us in terms of steadily accumulating points toward our goal, even when things are not going well.
Q, It became a match where both sides canceled out each other's strengths, but from the coach's perspective, what was difficult?
AIn a game where Mito's style was firmly demonstrated, we also prepared for that, and in defense, the plan we had for the first half was executed. However, I think there were many instances in the first half where we fell behind in our own attacks. While we aimed to start the second half strongly, there were parts where the opponent outperformed us a bit. However, not conceding a goal there led to Sei MUROYA's opening goal. Even in difficult situations, by fighting hard and battling tenaciously, everyone defended to prevent the opponent from scoring, and being able to express that firmly until the very end contributed to earning 2 points in the penalty shootout.
Q. The build-up in attack did not go well, and there were not many scenes connecting from the defensive line. How was this different from the previous match?
A, I think the issue was that we couldn't smoothly create the plus one against the opponent's pressure. Mito applied such high pressing that they didn't even give us that slightest gap. They probably analyzed us and tried to take away that timing. However, even in such circumstances, there was an opportunity to effectively use long balls to turn the game around, but we couldn't execute that well either, so I think the overall attack ended up being bland in this game.
Player Interview
Sei MUROYA
Q. How do you feel about today's result?
A, we were able to score the opening goal even in a difficult situation, and we wanted to finish the match that way, but we conceded a goal immediately. I think that was unfortunate. Considering Mito Hollyhock's performance and various conditions such as the wind and the turf, I feel it was a tough match.
Q, please review the scoring scene.
AI don't remember much, but I was always conscious of trying to get into the goal area. In the process, I made eye contact with Kento HASHIMOTO, and I thought the ball was coming. Then, a truly wonderful cross ball came, so I focused only on making contact and think I was able to score a good shot.
Q. It feels like a characteristic of Tokyo that a fullback on the opposite side scored a goal from a pass by the fullback on the side.
A, this season, with player Megumi Sato and myself, we have been able to create many variations in attack, so I think I have been able to get involved well in the attacking part and create good opportunities.
Q. How do you feel about the scene where the goal was conceded?
A, a cross ball was delivered, and the ball dropped to an uncomfortable spot inside the penalty area, resulting in a goal. I think the team felt a bit relieved after conceding the goal. We, including myself, should have tightened up in situations like that, and it was truly a waste. We must secure 3 points even in matches like this. However, since we have consecutive games, I want to take a positive view that we earned 2 points in this tough match and focus on getting 3 points in the next game. There is no time to be down.
Q, you were the fifth kicker in the penalty shootout.
A, I thought it couldn't be helped if I missed, so I kicked it casually (lol).
Q, I think it was a wonderful course.
A, is that true? Just kidding (lol).
Q, There is a match against JEF United Ichihara Chiba with only three days in between. How do you want to make adjustments?
A, I personally have no problem with somehow holding on during the kind of match development we had in the first half. However, even in the second half, there were many slow periods, so I think today's challenge is that we need to be able to properly control the game ourselves during those times. In the next match, it would be good if we can flexibly respond according to the match situation, such as connecting the ball firmly or retreating to form a block and endure during certain periods.
Q, the result is 5 wins and 1 loss.
A, with a victory in the penalty shootout as well, we want to somehow earn points and keep fighting in the title race.
Q. All penalty shootouts are held on the Tokyo fans and supporters' side.
A, I'm really good at that kind of thing. I have good luck with lotteries.
Kento HASHIMOTO
Q. You appeared as a scramble substitution; what kind of image did you have when entering the pitch?
A, It was sudden when I joined, so I was not well prepared. I hadn't had much experience like that, but while watching the match, due to the opponent's pace and various factors such as the condition of the field, we couldn't do what we wanted to do. So, I thought I would do what I could even if it was not ideal. My main focus was to properly get into the game first.
Q, you assisted the opening goal in that situation. Please also review that moment.
A,It is my strength, and the moment I got the ball, I decided to deliver a cross. My rhythm was not very good, and the team spent a long time on the defensive, but in the end, I believe the final part comes down to individual quality. I was thinking about that decisive moment throughout the match. As a result, I made eye contact with Sei MUROYA, and I am grateful that he finished it.
Q: You mentioned wanting to show your true strength over the three consecutive matches, but didn't you show it in the match before this one?
A,I think I could have done more. We scored the opening goal with that one chance, but conceding immediately afterward was really unfortunate. Looking back at my performance, there were more things I could have done. In the build-up to calm the team, it wouldn’t be surprising to say that the opponent controlled the pace for the entire 90 minutes today, and we deliberately had far fewer attempts to approach the goal from the kind of build-up we used in the previous match. There were more moments where I could have made a difference there. In defense as well, I want to have more scenes where I can win the ball, and in that sense, I still have a long way to go.
Q. On the defensive side, since Yuto NAGATOMO was there, long balls have been played to the left side. Did you find it difficult to deal with?
A,Both Nagatomo and I are not tall, so we are often targeted for headers. It's not something I dislike, but it's an area where I need to become stronger. However, I believe that defense that takes the ball away rather than just preventing goals is a level above. I want to increase the number of times I can take the ball away. The moment you take the ball, you can switch the play, and since Muroya can do that, I need to develop that aspect to reach the next level.
Q. I think today's challenge was how to get through when the opponent is applying high pressure and there are no gaps.
A, I won’t fully understand until I review it properly later, but I felt the opponent’s intention as a team was to trigger a switch in response to back passes. Rather than worrying too much about the space behind, which is rare in the J1 League, when a back pass was made, everyone went to mark a player. When the ball was easily played backward at the point of distribution, the opponent’s arrows were very prominent. I was conscious of controlling the ball in a way that would stop the feet against back passes and trying to move the ball forward as much as possible. I was able to do that in the first half, but in the second half, there were many moments when the intention didn’t align with my teammates and I ended up playing more defensively. I think both the way of holding the ball to stop the feet and the receivers going to receive could have been a bit more conscious there.
Q. I think it is significant that we were able to bring back 2 points even in such a difficult match.
A,This is something that can only be achieved because of these regulations, but as the team talks about moving up, I think these 2 points are very important.
