<Match Review>
Following the match against FC Machida Zelvia on Saturday, a home back-to-back at Ajinomoto Stadium. Aiming for the first victory of the season at our home ground to clear the frustration experienced last weekend.
Considering the congested schedule with midweek matches in Tokyo, five players were changed in the starting eleven from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was selected, with a three-back formation placing Enrique Trevisan in the center, Kanta DOI on the right, and Tetsuhira OKA on the left. The wing-backs featured Soma ANZAI on the left and Kosuke SHIRAI on the right, while Takahiro KO and Keisuke KOIZUMI lined up as the holding midfielders. In the inside half, Ewerton Gaudino and the debuting in the starting lineup, Megumi SATO, were positioned, with the tall Keita YAMASHITA leading the attack.
Additionally, Maki KITAHARA of FC Tokyo U-18 has been included on the bench for an official match for the first time. He impressed with his strong play during this year's Okinawa camp, and now he has joined the top team's roster. If he is utilized, he will break the record for the youngest player in the J1 League at 15 years, 7 months, and 19 days, so there is much attention on whether he will get the chance to play.
On the other hand, Nagoya Grampus adopts the same 3-4-2-1 system as Tokyo. The wingbacks, former Tokyo player Tokumoto attacking from the left and Uchida from the right, are ones to watch closely. For Tokyo, this will be the third consecutive 'mirror game', and it will be interesting to see how they incorporate fresh members to add any changes to their attack.
1st HALF—Yamashita, who crowded in front of the goal, scores his first goal for Aoaka!
It was Tokyo that first showed its strengths in attack after a cautious start from both sides. In the 13th minute of the first half, after a smooth connection on the right side, Takahashi passed the ball to the right. When Shirai delivered a cross, Anzai was fouled, earning a free-kick opportunity. Anzai himself aimed directly with his right foot, but unfortunately, he was thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper and could not shake the net.
At the start, there were noticeable scenes of playing deep in the final line, but gradually the time spent in higher positions increased, and they began to incorporate movements to target behind the defense and creative plays such as penetrating passes to break through the defense.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, despite being pressed by the opponent, a decisive looping shot was taken, but goalkeeper Nozawa made a superb save to avert the danger.
Then, in the 31st minute of the first half, a sharp attack characteristic of Tokyo bears fruit. Player Koizumi quickly closes in on a loose ball in midfield, which player Shirai receives and powerfully dribbles forward from the center. From here, player Sato, who breaks free to the left, receives the pass and calmly returns it while observing the opponent's positioning, and player Yamashita, who is in front of the goal, scores. The long-awaited first goal in blue and red for number 14, who has experienced a loan transfer and a long-term injury, gives Tokyo the lead. Additionally, this was player Sato's first assist in Tokyo.
After that, the 11 players on the pitch showed high concentration to defend the goal, and Tokyo took a one-point lead into halftime.
2nd HALF - With sharp attacking, we scored 2 additional goals and achieved our first home victory of the season
In the second half, which started without any substitutions, it was Tokyo that created the first big chance.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Sato made a move from the right side to the center, and as he entered the penalty area, he executed a quick feint to disrupt the rhythm of the approaching defender. He struck sharply with his right foot. Unfortunately, it went just wide to the left, but the scenes of attacking the goal from high positions are gradually increasing.
In the first half, Tokyo had a long possession of the ball, while in the second half, Nagoya stood out by pushing forward with possession, leading to an additional goal from their sharp attacking play.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton made a powerful breakthrough down the right side after a long one-two with Koizumi. This right cross was cleared by the opponent in the center, but the ball deflected off the opponent and floated in front of the goal, where Sato skillfully tapped it in with his heel for an additional goal. The player with number 16 scored his first goal following his first assist in blue and red, extending Tokyo's lead to two goals. The stands behind the goal swayed to the "Wasshoi" chant, and the attacker, who had one goal and one assist, received a loud call of "Kane!"
Yamashita, who scored the crucial opening goal, and Ewerton, who assisted the second goal, were replaced by Marcelo RYAN and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the 16th minute of the second half to invigorate the front line. In the 19th minute of the second half, after support from VAR, Nagoya's goal was recognized, closing the gap to one point, but Tokyo continued to show focused defense and quick counterattacks.
In the 25th minute of the second half, Tawaramizuki player made a solo run along the left sideline and, at the moment of cutting into the center, delivered a sharp through pass into the vertical space. Sato player made a wonderful attack by breaking through here. Although this shot was saved by the goalkeeper and unfortunately did not shake the goal net, it created a chance with a sharp attack that drew the opponent in slightly.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE was brought onto the pitch in place of Henrique, positioned in the center of the three-back formation. In the 45th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO and Teruhito NAKAGAWA were substituted in for Shirai and Sato. The substitutions are made to effectively close out the match.
After six minutes of added time in the second half, they tightened their defense in the center and showed focused defending, bringing joy to Ajinomoto Stadium for the third time.
Tawaramizuki player made a solo run down the right side on a counterattack and passed it to the front of the goal. Nakagawa's shot was stopped by the goalkeeper, and Anzai rushed in from behind to connect with a direct shot using his right foot for an additional goal. Tokyo scored the decisive third goal in the match.
The match ended with a score of 3-1. The fresh members who were in the starting lineup showcased their skills, and the sharp attacks that had been a significant weapon until last season shone brightly, leading to a splendid victory at home Ajinomoto Stadium. While there are still challenges in breaking down a defensive opponent, it was proven that regardless of who steps onto the pitch, they can play football without any drop in quality, and Tokyo successfully took the lead with 2 wins and 1 loss.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Tetsuhira OKA/Kanta DOI/Henrique TREVIZAN (39th minute: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kosuke SHIRAI (45th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Soma ANZAI/Hiroshi TAKAU/Ken'in SATO (45th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Keita YAMASHITA (16th minute: Marcelo HIAN)/Ewerton GAUDINO (16th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
MF Maki KITAHARA
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
31' 1st Half: Keita YAMASHITA / 14' 2nd Half: Megumi SATO / 45+6' 2nd Half: Soma ANZAI
<Nagoya Grampus>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Daiki MIYA/Kennedyegbus MIKUNI/Teruki HARA (41st minute 1st half: Yuya ASANO)
MF Yuhei TOKUMOTO/Keiya SHIIHASHI (30th minute 2nd half: Gen KATO)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryuji IZUMI (30th minute 2nd half: Kensuke NAGAI)/Takuya UCHIDA
FW Yuya YAMAGISHI/Matheus CASTRO (39th minute 2nd half: Tsukasa MORISHIMA)
SUBS
GK Alex PISANO/Yukifuyu HORIO
DF Yuki NOGAMI/Yota SATO
MF Katsuhiro NAKAYAMA/Ryosuke YAMANAKA
MANAGER
Kenta HASEGAWA
GOAL
20 minutes into the second half: Keiya SHIIHASHI
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q, please review the game.
A,I am very satisfied that many fans and supporters came to the venue for the night game on a weekday, and we were able to deliver a victory right in front of you. I believe that it was a victory supported by your cheers.
We understand that the content of the match was not what we hoped for. We need to increase the number of cases where we can take more initiative in the game, and we believe that this is necessary to create more goals. Our defense might have been a bit sluggish. Since the one goal conceded was due to some lapses in our response, we need to improve further. However, I think it is highly commendable that we were able to capitalize on three key moments of opportunity during the game. After all, goals give courage, and we want to firmly connect this victory to the next match.
Q: Please evaluate player Sato Keiun, who responded to expectations with 1 goal and 1 assist in his first starting lineup.
A: I think he is highly commendable, and I believe he is a player who can do even more. I hope he continues to prepare to showcase his true strengths.
Q. Maki KITAHARA joined the bench at the age of 15. Please tell us the reason for putting KITAHARA on the bench and your evaluation of him.
A, OkiSince I saw Kitahara during the training camp in Okinawa, I believed he was a player capable of competing on the J1 League stage. He possesses exceptional skills in making split-second decisions and ideas during one-on-one situations. Regarding this match, we faced a very strong pressing opponent, but at 2-0, I considered using him depending on the timing. However, after conceding one goal, the time spent on defense likely increased, and I thought there would be more opportunities for counterattacks if our offense was effective.
I believed that his passing ability and the kind of passes that could break the opponent's arrows would be effective there, and since he can also get past opponents, I thought it was good to put him in the match. While monitoring the level of fatigue of the defensive midfielders, the two defensive midfielders starting this time were able to move without showing signs of fatigue, so although it may have been disappointing for Kitahara this time, he was not selected to play.
Q: After the opening, you replaced all three forward players from the last two matches. Please tell us your evaluation.
A, I thought we could have done a little more both offensively and defensively in the early stages. While being conscious of the defensive agreements, there were some simple errors that continued, and we inevitably found ourselves on the defensive at times, so perhaps we couldn't fully demonstrate our attacking strength. However, at key moments, I believe they showed their abilities in scoring goals. I told them that the decisive chance was a 2-on-1 situation against the goalkeeper. Mitsuru SATO made a good decision, which led to a goal by Keita YAMASHITA. The second goal involved Ewerton Gaudino playing a solid part. I don't think they were necessarily satisfied with the overall content, but they contributed to a victory. I think this match became a stepping stone for the future.
[Player Interview]
<佐藤恵允選手>
Q: Please reflect on today's match, which was your first start.
A, there were moments when we controlled the ball and pressed forward, but during the middle of the match, we spent a long time being pressed by the opponent and conceded goals. However, in that situation, we were able to score from a short counterattack towards the end, which I think was good. As a team, we aimed to hold the ball a bit more and advance while breaking down the opponent. There were times when things didn’t go well, but we want to improve on the points we need to reflect on from today’s victory and approach the next match with that in mind.
Q: What instructions did Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI give regarding your starting lineup appearance?
As an attacking position, I was instructed to firmly avoid the opponent's man-marking and to play facing forward so that teammates can effectively use the created space. It feels like the style the team aims for and my personal strengths have blended well together.
Q: Your first goal after joining Tokyo led the team to victory.
A, it was a lucky goal. I was able to play gritty throughout the match, and I have often experienced the ball coming to players like that in my career so far. Whether you see it as a coincidence or a necessity is up to you, but I want to simply enjoy my first goal. (Choosing the heel shot) was a spontaneous decision, and it might be the first time in my career to make such a stylish shot (laughs). I'm glad it went in beautifully.
Q. There were also scenes where we shared joy with the fans and supporters after the match.
A, the atmosphere was amazing. I am more than happy to have scored my first goal after the transfer at our home, Ajinomoto Stadium. I myself am from Tokyo, and when I was young, I used to watch matches from the stands. It is very moving to have gone from being a supporter to being a player who is supported. I am grateful to have been able to play in such a great atmosphere.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q, this was your first goal after transferring in your fourth season with Tokyo.
A, amidst various circumstances, the coach, coaching staff, and trainers have supported me up to this point. Including rehabilitation, I really wanted to give back, and I'm truly glad I was able to score today and that we won. I was a bit too happy and don't remember much, but Megumi Sato gave me a good ball, and I just had to tap it in. I think Kosuke SHIRAI passed to Sato, and Sato took the shot, but I was positioned expecting the rebound to come to me, and I was also positioned to receive a pass, so I think this showed one of my strengths.
Q: It was a match where you showed a willingness to put your body on the line for the team.
A, It was really my first start in a long time, so I was fired up and determined to do my best. I'm relieved that we won and I was able to score.
Q: How do you think this one point will connect to the next?
A, I truly think this is a very important goal for me. I believe it was something I really needed at this moment, and I want to aggressively aim for goals in the next matches as well.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: How do you feel when you look back at the final goal scene?
A, From the moment the ball reached Marcelo RYAN, I felt something was going to happen, so I was able to calmly guide it into the goal. First, I focused on keeping it within the frame. I’m glad we were able to score an additional goal at that time.
Q: You were celebrating in front of the goal stand right after scoring. How did you feel?
A, I was hardly able to participate in the camp due to injury, and my condition didn't improve easily, so I went through a tough time. I think that goal was one that fully expressed those feelings of frustration and hardship.
Q: You played as a left wing-back today. What were you focusing on?
A, we lost the previous match, and this time there were relatively fresh players in the front line, so I focused on demonstrating new strength and fresh energy here.
I think this was a match that proved we can play effective soccer no matter who is on the field.
A, I truly believe that we absolutely cannot aim for the top without fighting with the strength of the entire team. I think there will be consecutive matches ahead, so I hope that both the players who are playing and those who are not can all work together towards victory.
