Review of the previous match against Yokohama F.Marinos
A brilliant comeback after conceding an early goal. The one who capped it off was the soul attacker who has continued to call for collaboration with fans and supporters.
Tokyo fell behind in the 4th minute of the first half, but gradually took control and launched a counterattack. In the 19th minute of the first half, Teppei OKA scored the equalizer. In the 15th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA succeeded in turning the game around with a superb goal after a high-speed dribble from midfield.
And just before the end, with the scent of victory growing stronger, the player wearing number 39 powerfully and elegantly slots in a decisive goal.
Hotaka NAKAMURA intercepted the ball on the right side and supplied it forward. Leon NOZAWA, who broke free here, crossed it to the center, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who ran into the goal area, connected with his left foot.
In response to the ground cross from the right, while carefully checking the position of the opposing goalkeeper, I thought, "It’s more likely to score by opening my body and using my left foot rather than matching it with my right foot," and skillfully changed the direction of my body to create a shooting angle, flowing the ball into the opposite side with a one-touch from my left foot in a technical strike.
The man who has been running tirelessly since the first half widened the lead to two points with a magnificent dance in front of the many fans and supporters who gathered away, making the victory definitive.
A circle of joy formed as teammates rushed from the bench. Dancing together with Go HATANO, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Oka to the loud chant of Nakagawa from the stands behind the goal, they shared in the happiness. With eyes closed and hands on their ears, they fully embraced the cheers directed at them.
This victory is the first for Tokyo against Yokohama F.Marinos since the 2020 season. The team has achieved its second three-game winning streak of the season.
Match Preview
In Tokyo, in Sec. 30 of the J1 League, Nagoya Grampus achieved a resounding victory with a score of 4-1 at the Japan National Stadium. This marked their first win in seven matches, breathing new life into the team. They then went on to win away games against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos with scores of 2-0 and 3-1, respectively, achieving their second three-game winning streak of the season. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who led the attack with two goals in these three matches, stated, "The results we achieve in the remaining six matches and what we can show to our fans and supporters will affect next season. There is also a chance to participate in the AFC Champions League elite, so I want to do my best."
This match returns to our home at Ajinomoto Stadium, where we will face Sagan Tosu. Although they are currently at the bottom of the standings, a team aiming for survival is not an easy opponent. The players are all determined to "stay focused and fight," preparing for a decisive victory.
Keigo HIGASHI, the key player in the three consecutive victories, expressed his desire to "enjoy" this match. The winning streak began with the Nagoya match, where he returned to the starting lineup, and he has been improving his form in sync with the team. If he participates in the match against Tosu, it will be the first game at Ajinomoto Stadium since Sec. 2 against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Keigo stated, "Ajinomoto is a special place. It was frustrating to watch from the outside when the team was struggling. It is important to play with all our might and enjoy ourselves at our home." The revival of the number 10 will strongly lead Tokyo's final push.
This matchday program is here
[Interview with Coach Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we were able to return to Ajinomoto Stadium with three consecutive wins.
I am very happy, but it is necessary to thoroughly reflect on the performance so far. Analyzing game performance and continuing to build on the good aspects is important. With a strong mentality, we will prepare better for the match against Sagan Tosu.
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama F.Marinos in the last round.
Everyone, including the substitute players, fought vigorously and contributed to the victory. Although we allowed a goal early in the match, we demonstrated our team's principles and maximized our performance. Once again, the opening goal is extremely important for controlling the match, and it is something we need to improve on as we head into the match against Tosu. I want to ensure we take control of the game by firmly grasping the flow in various situations that may arise during the match.
Q: What kind of challenge is necessary for a four-game winning streak?
A, this season, we have not been able to extend our winning streak. Of course, there have been various events as the season has progressed. However, the most important thing right now is right in front of us. We feel that we have prepared well up to this point. With strong conviction, we want to fight passionately to deliver victory to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, you made a significant contribution to the victory in the starting lineup against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos. Please tell us about your feelings again.
I am very happy to have contributed to the consecutive wins, and above all, I feel that the team's performance is good on the pitch. If the team's performance is good, I believe that the individual players' conditions will naturally improve as well, and I want to approach this week's match against Sagan Tosu with a good atmosphere.
Q: What factors contributed to the improvement in performance after being away from victory for a while?
I believe that we were able to “let go” in a good way from the second half of the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sec. 29. While there were certainly tactical elements that contributed to our three consecutive wins, I think the most important factor was the mental aspect. Winning against Nagoya Grampus seems to have lifted the burdens that each player was carrying.
Q: While there is a tendency to focus on scoring and consecutive wins, how do you feel about the defensive aspect?
Since the start of the season, we have been valuing high-position defense and quick transitions from defense to attack, but we were not able to express that well in the summer matches. In my most recent match as a starter, I was particularly conscious of this as I entered the pitch, and I feel that our high-position defense is leading to good attacks.
Q: In the previous match against Sagan Tosu, you scored and contributed to the victory. Please tell us about your impression of the opponent.
I believe that both teams have changed since our last match, and I want to express our evolved form on the pitch. The away match was a very challenging game, but I think by continuing to showcase the good aspects we demonstrated in our recent matches, we can get closer to a fourth consecutive win.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: This match against Sagan Tosu is crucial for achieving four consecutive wins.
A. I want to forget about the victories we've had so far and focus on the upcoming match. My desire to win the next game, especially at home, is stronger than thinking about a four-game winning streak. The team is currently in a good flow, and I want to fight without letting my guard down.
Q, I think one of the factors for the three consecutive wins is the improvement in defense.
I am always thinking about how to apply pressure from the front, and while defending, I am conscious of how to move my teammates and how to go for the ball. I also make sure to communicate constantly with the players at the back to seek better defense.
Q, the comeback goal against Yokohama F.Marinos was exactly in that form.
I feel that our defense is functioning well and that it is leading us in a positive direction. Of course, having more possession of the ball might be the best, but not conceding goals is also important. Even if we do concede, our current team has a good momentum to recover. I want to maintain this positive atmosphere and win again next time.
Q, I believe that the good collaboration with Diego OLIVEIRA has led to multiple goals.
A, I believe we will eventually improve, and we have been playing with that in mind, building a good relationship. Our relationship and positioning are getting better, and Diego has told me, 'You can play freely.' I am also conscious of taking my position while observing Diego's position and movements.
