Match Review
The blue and red army aimed for their second three consecutive wins of the season as they headed to the match against Yokohama F.Marinos at Nissan Stadium.
Tokyo, on a winning streak, maintained most of their members with the same momentum and made only one change at right back from the previous match against Urawa Reds, where they achieved a shutout victory. Yuto NAGATOMO made his starting lineup return for the first time since the match against Kyoto Sanga F.C. in Sec. 28.
With the extreme heat easing, it has become possible to move the kickoff time earlier starting this round, and the away match kicked off at 17:00 while there was still some daylight.
1st HALF - Although we allowed the first goal, we equalized with Tetsu's shot.
Having emerged from the summer tunnel, Tokyo has taken the initiative and progressed advantageously in matches, achieving consecutive victories. In this match as well, Keigo HIGASHI shows a spirited fight, starting with a determined sliding tackle to press back and regain possession of the ball.
Tokyo wanted to carry on the same momentum as their consecutive wins, but from the start, they were pushed back by the opponent's aggressive press, and in the 4th minute of the first half, they were broken down by a central passing play and conceded a goal. They lost the lead early on.
However, this is not discouraging for the current Tokyo team. They are connecting the ball well and looking for opportunities, and in the 13th minute of the first half, Takahiro KO took a precise right-footed shot from distance. The strike, which was on target, was thwarted by a fine save from the opposing goalkeeper, but they are increasing their pressure and advancing into the opponent's territory.
As they created attacking shapes with coordinated soccer, in the 19th minute of the first half, a sharp through pass from player Higashi brought the equalizer for the blue-red team. The player wearing number 10, who had the ball on the right side, passed it to player Nagatomo, who made an inner lap into the space behind. After cutting through the opposing defense with a vertical pass, Ryotaro ARAKI connected the ball to Kota TAWARATSUMIDA, who took a shot from the opposite side. This was blocked by the opponent, but Teppei OKA rushed in for the rebound. He powerfully slotted in a precise shot with the inside of his right foot. The left-back, who saved the team with a spectacular shot block in the previous match, now returned the game to square one with his participation in the attack. His impressive jumping fist pump excited the fans and supporters who had gathered away.
After that, the match continued with back-and-forth action, as both teams battled for possession of the ball. Tokyo thoroughly implemented their defense, which had been effective in recent matches, tightening the center and preventing any clear chances despite being pushed back several times from the sides. In attack, Araki, who made a run from Nagatomo's early cross, aimed for a shot after a chest trap, while both Teruhito NAKAGAWA and Matsuki on the flanks showed aggressive breakthroughs, but they also failed to score. The first half, where each team fought for a goal, concluded after 5 minutes of added time.
2nd HALF - Withstanding the early onslaught, we turned the game around with goals from Tawara and Teru.
Yokohama FM substituted Yamane for Kida at halftime, while Tokyo made no changes to their lineup. They approached the second half with the same 11 players as the first half.
The second half started with a somewhat open development. Within the first 11 minutes, there were several close calls from corner kicks, half volleys from counterattacks, and long shots from the center, but all the shots went over the bar, avoiding danger.
Then, in the 15th minute of the second half, a stunning turnaround goal is scored from a wonderful play that linked both offense and defense.
Against Yokohama FM, who held the ball gently in midfield, Araki fiercely pressed back to win the ball. After shaking off the opponent's pressure in midfield, when Diego OLIVEIRA dropped the ball, Araki supplied a through pass forward, and Tawaramizuki, who sharply broke into the space behind, soloed with a high-speed dribble. He pulled away from the pursuing opponent and advanced to the goal, checked the goalkeeper's position, and slotted in a reverse goal with his left foot. Araki's high defensive awareness, the intricate passing work in midfield after winning the ball, and the speed-filled attack that exploited the space behind. Each player showcased their strengths in a stunning breakthrough, successfully turning the match around for Tokyo.
In the 26th minute of the second half, Riki HARAKAWA and Keita ENDO were brought in to replace the outstanding players Tawaratsukida and Higashi. For Endo, this marks his first return to Nissan Stadium, while HARAKAWA makes his official match return since the match against Verdy on August 17 in Sec. 27.
Tokyo, wanting to energize the pitch, takes further action. Hotaka NAKAMURA is sent in as the right back in place of Nagatomo, while Soma ANZAI switches with Araki and is positioned as the right winger. The formation is changed to place Nakagawa in the center.
In the 41st minute of the second half, an incident occurred where player Oka, who had been fighting hard as a left back including the equalizing goal, cramped both legs and could no longer run. At this point, Leon NOZAWA was brought in as a right winger, and Anzai, who had just been sent on, was moved to left back to respond to the situation.
In the 44th minute of the second half, just before the end, the newly introduced right-side duo created a chance, and the man returning to his former club scored the decisive third goal.
Nakamura, who created space at a high position, passed the ball to the right front. Leon NOZAWA ran in and returned it with a ground pass, and Nakagawa jumped in the center. With a clever movement, he opened his body to meet the ball coming from the right with the inside of his left foot, shaking the goal net with a direct shot. He scored a brilliant goal in front of many fans and supporters who had gathered away. The heroic number 39 headed straight to the goal area, dancing in rhythm with his teammates to his chant, sharing the joy.
Successfully closed out the 8 minutes of additional time. After conceding an early goal, we reorganized our defense and achieved a brilliant comeback victory with three fine goals, marking our second consecutive league win this season. The victory chant 'The City That Never Sleeps' echoed in the away ground of Yokohama.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Yuto NAGATOMO (substituted at 36 minutes: Hotaka NAKAMURA) / Masato MORISHIGE / Yasuki KIMOTO / Tetsuhei OKA (substituted at 39 minutes: Leon NOZAWA)
MF Hiroshi TAKU / Keigo HIGASHI (substituted at 25 minutes: Riki HARAKAWA) / Ryotaro ARAKI (substituted at 36 minutes: Soma ANZAI)
FW Diego OLIVEIRA / Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (substituted at 25 minutes: Keita ENDO) / Teruhito NAKAGAWA
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
FW Tsuyoshi OGASHIWA
GOAL
19th minute of the first half: Teppei OKA / 15th minute of the second half: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA / 44th minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA
<Yokohama F. Marinos>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK William POPP
DF Ken MATSUBARA (39th minute: Ren KATO)/Makinobu 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 Yan Matheus/Anderson LOPEZ/Eubel
SUBS
GK Fuma SHIRASAKA
FW Kota MIZUNUMA
GOAL
4th minute of the first half: Anderson LOPES
[Peter CKLAMOVSKI Coach Interview]
Q, please review the game.
A, as expected, it was a match that unfolded as anticipated. There were many exciting moments, and within that, we were able to showcase our strong performance. We had been discussing how to build on our performance from recent games. We believed we could exploit the opponent's weaknesses in our attacking play. By utilizing good spaces, we were able to create good opportunities and score well from them. It was a situation where we could have scored a bit more. We still need to continue improving in that area. Additionally, in defense, I thought we needed to be as aggressive as possible. From the start, we aimed to be aggressive, and although we conceded a goal, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. However, I do feel disappointed that we couldn't keep a clean sheet.
As a team, we were able to fight very strongly in executing our principles. The players gave everything, playing aggressively and with high intensity. I am proud of their performance and their attitude towards the challenge. What we did has been rewarded. To all the fans and supporters who traveled to the away game, as well as those who could not be here, you truly gave us strength. Tokyo had not been able to defeat Yokohama F.Marinos for a while, but today the players achieved a victory that we can all be proud of for the club.
Q: After conceding a goal at the start of the first half, what instructions did you give to regroup?
A, I actually called out to the players to try to score the first goal as we sent them out. I think it became a very difficult match because we allowed the first goal early in the game. However, that is a mountain we must overcome, and we were able to do so by delivering our strong performance. This performance is closely connected to our mentality. This mentality has been built up through our daily efforts. Truly, I believe the players gave everything they had to play.
Q: It seemed that the players' condition was good.
I believe that the preparation process is important. By continuing to do that, we are building an engine that allows us to fight aggressively. Our opponent, Yokohama FM, is a team that has been creating that kind of structure for many years, but we are also gradually building a similar structure step by step. I believe we can continue to improve and become stronger. We will focus on ourselves as we approach next week's home game.
[Player Interview]
＜Teppei OKA＞
Q. It was a thrilling goal, even in a situation where it wouldn't have been surprising to feel a tense atmosphere after conceding the first goal.
A, it was a goal pushed in by feelings. I believed that the ball would spill into that area and ran, which resulted in the score. I am grateful to my teammates who carried the ball to create that shape. After scoring, VAR came in, and I panicked for a moment. VAR also came in after the goal against Kashiwa Reysol (laughs). I kept telling myself it was okay, but deep down, I was anxious.
Q: As declared, you managed to contain the opponent's attacker.
A, I am still not there at all. I haven't been able to control every situation, so I want to grow to the point where I can win everything. I want to strengthen my strength in one-on-one situations and my agility.
Q: The awareness of the ongoing efforts in attack is starting to take shape, isn't it?
A, I was told by Kota TAWARATSUMIDA to "effectively draw the opponent in order to create space for cut-ins and vertical plays," so I focused on playing in the inner space myself. I need to continue the movements to disperse the opponent's marking and increase the frequency, and I want to support Kota TAWARATSUMIDA so that he can receive the ball in a better condition and make plays.
Q: I believe I have greatly contributed to the second three consecutive wins of this season.
A, I believe that in order to win the match, it is important for the entire team to work at a high standard from practice. Even the players who are not currently participating in matches are working hard in practice, creating motivation towards victory, aligning our direction, and I want to prepare thoroughly for the home game against Sagan Tosu.
<Kota TAWARATSUMIDA>
Q, please review today's game.
A, Ryotaro ARAKI stole the ball in our half and sent a good pass to me, so all I had to do was carry it and take the shot. I aimed for the goalkeeper's legs, and it went exactly as planned.
Q: I feel that my condition is improving. How do you personally feel about it?
A, I have the feeling that the movement itself has improved significantly.
Q: Teppei OKA mentioned that "Kota TAWARATSUMIDA is being supported to make it easier for him to take the initiative." How do you feel about that?
A, we are building a good relationship together. I feel that we are able to play in a good relationship where we communicate with each other. In defense, player Oka moves me from behind, so I feel it is easier to play.
Q: I feel that player Tawara Sekita has become more aware of defense.
A, compared to the beginning, I feel that the defensive abilities have gradually improved.
Q: There was talk about being particular about numbers, but we are accumulating good numbers in terms of assists, plays that lead to goals, and scoring as we progress through the matches. Please share your enthusiasm for the future.
A, we haven't achieved four consecutive wins this season yet, so I want to do my best to achieve that first. The next match is at Ajinomoto Stadium, and it would be great if my goal there could lead to four consecutive wins.
<Teruhito NAKAGAWA>
Q: Please reflect on the scoring scene.
A good ball came from Leon NOZAWA, and the form we have been consistently working on in practice has paid off. As a forward, it is my job to break into that area, and I am happy that the movements we have been practicing led to a goal. I also observed the position of the opposing goalkeeper and was able to calmly place the shot with my left foot.
Q: Although we allowed the first goal, we achieved a comeback victory. Please reflect on the entire match.
In the previous match against Urawa Reds, we started poorly, and today we allowed the opponent to score in the 4th minute. That aspect needs to be corrected. We scored 3 goals, but we only switched on after conceding a goal, so we want to improve on that.
Q: The team has achieved three consecutive victories.
After the defeat against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, the entire team discussed it, and that has led to our victories. The key factor is that we are able to transition from good defense to attack. We want to maintain this momentum, achieve results in the league, and clearly show our fans and supporters the outcomes. There are still many opportunities to aim for the top. We are playing with vitality, and as a united team, we will strive for higher goals.
