＜Match Review＞
The Blue and Red Army aims for their second consecutive three-game winning streak this season as they head to Nissan Stadium to face Yokohama F.Marinos.
Tokyo, who is on a winning streak, kept many of their members and only changed their right back from the previous match against Urawa Reds, where they achieved a shutout victory. Yuto NAGATOMO returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the 28th round match against Kyoto Sanga F.C.
With the end of the intense heat, it is now possible to move up the kick-off time starting from this round, and the away match will kick off at 17:00 when there is still daylight.
1st HALF - Catch up with Tetsu's goal despite conceding the first goal
Tokyo, which has been winning consecutive games by taking the lead and controlling the game through the summer tunnel, continues to show a spirited fight from the start of this match, with Keigo HIGASHI making a determined sliding tackle to press back and regain possession of the ball.
Tokyo wanted to continue their winning streak, but they were pushed back by the opponent's aggressive press from the beginning. In the 4th minute of the first half, they were scored against by a pass play in the center. They were unfortunately behind early in the game.
However, Tokyo is not discouraged by this. They continue to connect passes and look for opportunities, and in the 13th minute of the first half, Takahiro KO took a precise right-footed shot. Although the shot was on target, it was saved by the opponent's goalkeeper, but Tokyo continues to push forward and put pressure on the opponent's defense.
In the 19th minute of the first half, a sharp through pass from player Higashi brought a tying goal for the blue and red team. Number 10, who had the ball on the right side, passed it to player Nagatomo who had made a run into the space behind the defense. He then crossed a vertical pass to the center, which was connected by player Ryotaro Araki. Player Kota Tawaratsumida on the opposite side then took a shot. Although it was blocked by the opponent, player Teppei Oka ran in for the rebound and powerfully shot it into the goal with his right foot. In the previous match, the left back who saved the team with a powerful shot block, this time scored the first goal of the game from an attacking play. His energetic jumping celebration excited the away fans and supporters who had gathered.
After that, the game continued with a back and forth, with both teams fighting for control of the ball. Tokyo has been focusing on tightening their defense in the recent games, and while they were pushed back a few times from the sides, they did not allow any clear scoring opportunities. On the attack, player Nagatomo made an early cross and player Araki attempted a shot after trapping the ball with his chest. Players Nakagawa Teruhito and Tawara Sekita showed aggressive breakthroughs on both sides, but were unable to score. The first half ended with both teams scoring one goal each, and after 5 minutes of additional time, the game went into halftime.
2ndHALF - Withstanding a fierce attack at the start, turning the tables with a Tawara goal and a Teru goal
Tokyo made no changes to their lineup for the second half, while Yokohama FM substituted Yamane for Kida during halftime and entered the second half with the same 11 players as the first half.
After a slightly open start, the second half saw a series of close calls including half volleys from corner kicks and counter attacks, as well as middle shots from the center. However, all of these shots missed the bar and the team was able to escape danger.
And in the 15th minute of the second half, a fantastic turnaround goal is born from a coordinated attack and defense.
In the midfield, Yokohama FM slowly held the ball, but player Araki pressed back fiercely and took the ball. In the midfield, player Diego OLIVEIRA dropped the ball after peeling off the opponent's approach, and player Araki supplied a through pass forward. Player Tawara Takumida sharply broke through the space behind and ran at high speed. He pulled away from the chasing opponent player, carried the ball up to the goal, checked the position of the goalkeeper, and scored a comeback goal with his left foot. Araki's high defensive awareness, precise passing work in the midfield after taking the ball, and speedy attack that exploited the space behind. With each player showcasing their strengths, Tokyo successfully turned the game around.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Keita ENDO and Riki HARAKAWA were substituted for Tawara Tsumita and Higashi, who had shown outstanding presence so far. ENDO, who will face his former team, and HARAKAWA, who returned to the official game for the first time since the Tokyo Verdy match in the 27th round on August 17, will make their first triumphant return to the Nissan Stadium.
Tokyo, who wants to activate the pitch, will move even more. They will send Hotaka NAKAMURA to the right back position, replacing Nagatomo, and switch Araki to the right wing, placing Soma ANZAI. They will also change the formation to have Nakagawa in the center.
In the 41st minute of the second half, Okasen, who had been fighting hard as a left back, suffered an accident where both of his legs cramped and he couldn't run. At this point, Leon NOZAWA was brought in as a right winger, and newly sent in Yasuaki was moved to left back to adjust.
In the 44th minute of the second half just before the end, the right side combination that had just been put in created a chance, and the man who returned to his old club scored the third goal to decide the match.
Nakamura, who created space in a high position, passed to the right front. Leon NOZAWA ran in and returned the ball with a ground pass, and Nakagawa jumped into the center. He skillfully opened his body to receive the ball coming from the right and scored with a direct shot using his left instep, shaking the goal net. A brilliant goal scored in front of the many fans and supporters who had gathered away. The number 39, who made the decisive goal, headed straight to the goal end and danced with his teammates to the rhythm of his own chant, sharing the joy together.
The additional 8 minutes were closed firmly. Despite conceding the first goal early on, they regrouped defensively and achieved a brilliant comeback victory with 3 fine goals, securing their 3rd consecutive league win of the season. The chant of victory "The City That Never Sleeps" echoed throughout Yokohama, their away ground.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto Nagatomo (36th minute of the second half: Hotaka Nakamura)/Masato Morishige/Yasuki Kimoto/Tetsuhiro Oka (39th minute of the second half: Leon NOZAWA)
MF Yu Yang/Keigo Higashi (25th minute of the second half: Chikara Harakawa)/Ryotaro ARAKI (36th minute of the second half: Soma ANZAI)
FW Diego Oliveira/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (25th minute of the second half: Keita ENDO)/Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
GOAL
First half 19 minutes: Teppei OKA / Second half 15 minutes: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA / Second half 44 minutes: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Yokohama F. Marinos
Starting XI
GK William POPP
DF Ken Matsubara (39th minute: Ren Kato)/Shinnosuke HATANAKA/Eduardo/Katsuya NAGATO (39th minute: Taiki WATANABE)
MF Kota WATANABE (31st minute: Kenta INOUE)/Takuya KIDA (0th minute: Riku Yamane)/Jun AMANO (19th minute: Asahi UENAKA)FW Mateus/Junior ANDERSON/Everton
SUBS
GK Fuma SHIRASAKA
FW Kota MIZUNUMA
GOAL
4 minutes into the first half: Anderson LOPES
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, please review the game.
A, the game went as expected. There were many exciting moments, but we were able to show our strong performance. We talked about building on our performance from recent games and we believed we could take advantage of our opponent's weaknesses on the attack. We were able to create good opportunities by using the space well and we were able to score good goals from there. It could have been a game where we scored even more goals. We still need to continue improving in that aspect. On defense, we knew we had to be as aggressive as possible. We were aggressive from the start and while we did concede, it wasn't because we were playing poorly. However, it is disappointing that we couldn't keep a clean sheet.
As a team, we were able to fight very strongly by executing our own rules. The players gave it their all and played aggressively and with high intensity. I am proud of their performance and their attitude towards the game. Our hard work paid off and we were rewarded. I want to thank all the fans and supporters who came to the away game, as well as those who couldn't make it. Your support gave us strength. It has been a while since we were able to defeat Yokohama F.Marinos in Tokyo, but today the players achieved a victory that the club can be proud of.
Q: After conceding a goal at the start of the first half, what instructions did you give to turn things around?
A, I sent out the players with the intention of scoring the first goal. I think the game became very difficult after conceding the first goal in the early stages. However, that is a mountain we must overcome and we were able to do so by showing our strong performance. This performance is closely connected to our mentality. This mentality is something we have built up through our daily efforts. I truly believe that the players gave their all in the game.
Q, it seemed like the players were in good condition.
A, I believe that the preparation process is important. By continuing to do so, we can create an aggressive engine that we can fight with. Yokohama FM, our opponent, has been creating such a form for many years, but we are also gradually creating such a form. I believe that we can continue to improve and become stronger. We will focus on ourselves and prepare for the next home game.
[Player Interview]
Teppei OKA
Q, it was a thrilling goal in a situation where it wouldn't be strange for an uneasy atmosphere to flow due to conceding first.
A, it was a goal that I pushed in with my feelings. I believed that the ball would come loose in that area and as a result of running, it led to a goal. I am grateful to my teammates who carried the ball to create that opportunity. After scoring, when VAR was introduced, I was a little worried for a moment. Just like after the Kashiwa Reysol game (laughs). I was telling myself it would be okay, but deep down I was worried.
Q, as promised, we were able to contain the opponent's attacker.
A, I still can't do it at all. I haven't been able to hold back in all situations, so I want to grow to the point where I can win everything. I want to strengthen my interpersonal strength and agility.
Q, the awareness of continuing to work on our attacks is starting to take shape.
A, I was told by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA to "attract the opponent well in order to create space for cut-ins and vertical peeling", so I was conscious of playing in the inside space myself. The movement to disperse the opponent's mark must continue and the number of times must be increased, and I want to support Kota TAWARATSUMIDA so that he can receive the ball in a better state and make a move.
Q, I think you are making a big contribution to the second consecutive three-game winning streak this season.
In order to win the game, I think it is important for the entire team to work at a high standard from practice. Even players who are not currently playing in the game are working hard in practice, creating motivation for victory and aligning their vector, and I want to prepare firmly for the home game against Sagan Tosu.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review today's game.
Player A, Ryotaro ARAKI, stole the ball in our own half and sent me a good pass, so all I had to do was carry it and take a shot. It went exactly as planned, with the ball going between the goalkeeper's legs.
Q, I feel like I'm getting better. How about your personal response?
A, there is a feeling that the movement itself has improved significantly.
Q, There was a conversation from player Teppei OKA saying "Taira SHIGE is supporting so that Kota TAWARATSUMIDA can make moves easily." How do you feel about it?
A, we are able to work well together as a team of two. There is a sense of satisfaction in being able to play within a good relationship where we can communicate and support each other. Even in defense, Okamoto moves me from behind, making it easier for me to play.
Q, I feel that player Tawarazumida has become more aware of defense.
A, I have a feeling that the defensive ability has gradually improved compared to the beginning.
Q, There was also talk about being particular about numbers, but I am accumulating numbers in a good way as I assist, score, and follow the game. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the future.
A, We haven't been able to win four games in a row this season, so first of all, I want to do my best to achieve that. Next is the game at Ajinomoto Stadium, and if I can score there and lead us to four consecutive wins, that would be the best result.
Teruhito NAKAGAWA
Q, please review the scoring scene.
A, a good ball came from Leon NOZAWA, and the form that we have been working on consistently in our daily practice paid off. As a forward, it is my job to make runs into that area, and I am happy that my consistent movements led to a goal. I also think it was a well-placed goal with my left foot, as I was able to see the position of the opposing goalkeeper and calmly finish it off.
Q, we conceded the first goal, but we were able to turn it around and win. Can you please give us a review of the entire match?
A, In the previous match against Urawa Reds, we had a bad start and conceded a goal to the opponent in the 4th minute of today's match. This is something that needs to be corrected. Although we scored 3 goals, we only switched on after conceding a goal, so we want to improve on that.
Q, our team has achieved a 3-game winning streak.
After discussing as a team following the defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were able to turn it into a win. The key factor is being able to connect our defense to our offense. We want to continue this momentum and achieve results in the league, and show our fans and supporters through our performance. There are still chances for us to aim for the top. We will continue to play with energy and work together as a team to reach higher.
