＜Match Review＞
The first home game after the break was against Kyoto Sanga F.C. We lost 0-2 to Kyoto in the first half of the season, and we couldn't show our strengths in terms of content. On the other hand, we won 3-1 in the away game in the final match of the Levain Cup group stage, and we wanted to achieve a consecutive league victory by reproducing that.
The starting lineup remains the same as the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, and Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made his first appearance in the J1 League match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Watanabe's opening goal & Taishi Brandon Nozawa's big save
The game progresses at Tokyo's pace. In the 7th minute of the first half, Masato MORISHIGE clears the ball and Diego OLIVEIRA makes a one-touch pass to Keigo HIGASHI. Diego receives the return pass and carries the ball, then makes a one-two return pass with Kuryu MATSUKI before bringing the ball into the left side of the penalty area. He takes a shot with his left foot, but misses the target.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego TABA received a throw-in and made a through pass, but Matsuki was caught by the opposing goalkeeper who came out to catch it.
As the first half approaches the middle, Kyoto gains more possession of the ball and the game becomes slightly more open.
Tokyo's Kei Koizumi, who received a vertical pass from player Morishige in the first half of the 36th minute, sent Kosuke Shirai running on the right side. Shirai crossed the ball with his right foot, slightly negative, and although it was touched by the opponent's defender, Ryoma Watanabe reacted to the loose ball and calmly dropped it backwards. Waiting there, Watanabe Ryoma slid it in with his right foot, and Tokyo took the lead.
After taking the lead, Tokyo's momentum did not stop, and in the 38th minute of the first half, Matsuki received a throw-in and switched to the opposite side, where Nagatomo made a direct pass to Tawaratsumida. Tawaratsumida, who had cut inside with a dribble, swung his right foot, but the opposing goalkeeper made a sharp reaction and was able to prevent the goal.
Just before the end of the first half, there was a momentary gap and Yamazaki took advantage of it, breaking through into the penalty area. It was a decisive 1-on-1 situation, but Taishi Nozawa calmly closed the distance and blocked the shot, successfully overcoming a big pinch at the end of the first half with a big play.
2ndHALF—Determined victory with a powerful volley shot by Player Higashi
In the second half, Kyoto also comes forward with momentum, but Tokyo is also conscious of switching from attack to defense and quickly solidifies the goal area to prevent counterattacks.
On the other hand, Tokyo counterattacks by hitting Kyoto's back and launching a counterattack. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, a spectacular goal is born.
Nagatomo, who was waiting outside the penalty area, avoided the crowded goal area and put a soft ball into the space on the right side of the penalty area during the set play. Henrique headed the ball towards the goal, and Higashi, who was marking near the goal, chest-trapped the ball and struck it powerfully with his right foot, scoring a goal in the top left corner and extending the lead to 2 points.
After widening the lead, there were times when Kyoto pushed us back, but we controlled the game with fresh firepower while making player substitutions. In the 38th minute of the second half, player Jaja Silva, who made his home debut, unleashed a powerful shot just outside the penalty area, but he couldn't break the goal in front of the opponent goalkeeper's desperate saving.
After that, including the additional 5 minutes of injury time, Kyoto did not create any decisive opportunities and calmly dealt with the attacking style that came out with a slightly power play-like approach, using vertical speed and height. They closed the game with a 2-0 victory, achieving consecutive wins in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (30th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (30th minute of the second half: Jája Silva)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (22nd minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (37th minute of the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (22nd minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
First half 36 minutes: Ryoma WATANABE / Second half 13 minutes Keigo HIGASHI
＜Kyoto Sanga F.C.＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Sung Yun GU
DF Shogo ASADA / Rikito INOUE (34th minute: Hisashi APPIAH TAWIAH) / Shinnosuke FUKUDA
MF Sota KAWASAKI / Daiki KANEKO / Teppei YACHIDA / Fuki YAMADA (17th minute: Daichi HARA) / Hibiki SATO (24th minute: Yuto MISAO)
FW Ryogo YAMASAKI (24th minute: PATRIC) / Yuta TOYOKAWA (17th minute: Kosuke KINOSHITA)
SUBS
Gakuji OTA
Temma MATSUDA
GOAL
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[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Director Press Conference Comments]
Q, please review the game.
I think we were able to put on a good performance. We were able to make plays that deserve to win. There were many parts where we did well, and I think we are growing as a team in a good way. I am proud that the players fought with their own beliefs and gave their all. I hope we can extend the good time as long as possible and eventually be able to continue for 90 minutes. Today, we were able to put on a really good overall performance. The players showed us their energy, dedication, and passion, which was a good inspiration for me as a coach. We were able to make plays that deserve to win, but I think there are still areas where we can grow and improve. So, as a team, I want to take further steps to be able to put on an even better performance., but there are still areas where we can grow and improve, and I think there are points that can be further improved. As a team, I want to take further steps to be able to put on an even better performance.
Q, was it unexpected that the match would have a relaxed pace rather than the hard work that the opponent had anticipated?
A, we have prepared for everything and practiced to be able to respond to whatever the opponent does. In the midst of that, our goal is to be able to play our football well and control the game while giving our maximum performance. Today, the players performed really well and deserved the win. They fought hard until the end. I think it would have been great if we could have shown a few more goals for the fans and supporters. I am truly grateful to the fans and supporters. They create a wonderful atmosphere and give strong support to the players. And the players are able to go home with smiles on their faces, which makes me very happy.
Q, were the players able to carry the ball with dribbling without fear of mistakes, and was that also one of the good points?
A, I think that's definitely the case. I think we were able to play good football in that situation, and we were able to use the space we wanted to use well and effectively take advantage of Kyoto's backside, which was also a threat. In scenes where these good aspects were coming out, there were also moments where the fans and supporters stood up and got excited. I think it was good that the players were able to give it their all until the end.
Q, the speed of player Jaja and the return of injured players have increased options.
A, no matter what happens, no matter what the situation is, we are creating a team that can overcome it together. I think we have shown good performance, but I still think there are areas where we can improve in every aspect. I think it's good if we can grow while building up one by one. Tonight, we were able to do that. Right now, I think the players are fighting while understanding clearly how to fight. Fighting while adhering to our own rules is the foundation for us. It is important for individuals to shine within those rules. Today was a good example of that, but I still think there is a lot more to do.
[Player Interview]
<Keigo HIGASHI>
Q, assisted Ryoma WATANABE's goal with a split-second decision.
A, I am always conscious of the probability while playing. When I considered the probability of scoring a goal in that scene, I judged that passing to player Watanabe would lead to a score. I think I was able to choose a calm and high-probability play.
Q, East player's goal after a long time greatly brought victory closer.
When the ball was passed to Henrique Trevisan, I felt like there would be a chance for a return. After calmly trapping the ball, I was able to switch with the opponent and hit the ball with my foot. I have been practicing shooting with Tsuyoshi Kodama every day in training. I have also been given more opportunities to play in the attacking midfield position, and the repetition in training has led to a calmness in my shooting. I hope to continue this momentum.
Q, how did you contribute to the attack as a defensive midfielder and how did you analyze the opponent's defense?
A, I was conscious of three things: moving well to positions that are difficult for the opponent to catch, assembling as a linkman in the attack, and entering the box. In defense, I played while coordinating with Diego OLIVEIRA to switch the defense from the front line and not give the opponent freedom. I was able to score a goal, but throughout the game, it felt like we played in our own half for a little too long. I want to consciously work on increasing the players' positive play from here.
Ryoma WATANABE
Q, please review the game.
A, there were also bad timings during the game, but I think that being able to concentrate and play without conceding goals led to today's victory as a result.
Q, it was my first goal in 4 months. Please reflect on the goal-scoring scene.
It was my first goal in 4 months, so I was genuinely happy. The scoring scene was just a matter of me putting the ball into the goal because Keigo Higashi provided a good pass. It was good that I was able to accurately aim for the goal and convert it into a score.
Q, I think the role in the attack has also been changing in recent games.
A, it is assumed that I will play the role given by Director Klamovski, but I want to increase what I can do and be more involved in scoring. I will continue to train and grow every day.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next section.
Next, we will be facing Yokohama F.Marinos, a strong team. We want to play the game without conceding any goals, just like today, and if we have the chance, we want to score and win. Even though it's an away game, we want to prepare well for a week and make sure we can win.
Kosuke SHIRAI
Q, please reflect on today's game, which was a match against your former team.
It was a 90-minute mix of difficulty and enjoyment. I think we had many opportunities to send crosses in front of the goal, and we were able to create good attacking shapes. I am most happy that we were able to win, and I think we were able to play as we imagined.
Q, how did you analyze Kyoto Sanga F.C., which was a member until the middle of this season, as an opposing team?
I thought it would bite when I held the ball. I think I was able to express the play of peeling off with a one-two pass after receiving the ball and taking a deep position on the right side as intended.
Q, it was the first home game in the third official match. What was your impression when you stood on the pitch?
A, I am very happy to be able to play in front of many fans and supporters at Ajinomoto Stadium and to end with a victory. I want to make the first home game a great start. The support of the fans and supporters was very powerful and helped us.
Q, how do you want to contribute from here by utilizing the characteristics of player Shirai?
A, I want to show plays that connect many crosses and goals from the right side, using my sprint ability as my best weapon.
