<Last Match Review: Yokohama F.Marinos>
A brilliant comeback despite conceding an early goal. The one who sealed the deal was the soulful attacker who has continuously called for cooperation with the fans and supporters.
Tokyo, who fell behind in the lead in the 4th minute of the first half, gradually took control of the pace 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 successfully turned the game around with a superb goal after a high-speed dribble from the midfield.
And as the end approached, with a strong sense of victory, number 39 elegantly and powerfully scored the final goal.
Hotaka NAKAMURA, who intercepted on the right side, supplied the ball forward. Leon NOZAWA, who broke through here, returned to the center, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who ran into the goal, scored with his left foot.
A technical strike that cleverly changed the direction of the body while creating a shooting course by carefully checking the position of the opponent goalkeeper against the ground cross from the right, and thought that the probability would be higher if it was combined with the left foot while opening the body rather than combining it with the right foot, and flowed it to the opposite side with a one-touch of the left foot.
The man who has been running tirelessly since the first half, widened the lead to two points with a brilliant dance in front of the many away fans and supporters, and made the victory decisive.
The circle of joy that was born as teammates rushed from the bench. Together with players such as Go HATANO, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Okaka, they shared their joy while dancing to Nakagawa's chant echoing loudly from the stands behind the goal. Then, with their eyes closed and their hands on their ears, they received the cheers for themselves with their whole body.
For Tokyo, it was their first victory against Yokohama F.Marinos since the 2020 season. The team achieved their second consecutive three-game winning streak of the season.
<Match Preview>
Tokyo achieved a big victory of 4-1 against Nagoya Grampus in the 30th round of the J1 League at the Japan National Stadium. After breaking their 7-game winless streak, they continued their winning streak with away games against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos, winning 2-0 and 3-1 respectively. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who scored 2 goals in these 3 games and led the attack, said, "The results we achieve in the remaining 6 games will determine our future and what we can show to our fans and supporters. We also have a chance to participate in the AFC Champions League elite, so we will do our best."
This round, we return to our home Ajinomoto Stadium and face Sagan Tosu. Although they are currently at the bottom of the league, they are not an easy opponent as they aim to avoid relegation. Each player is determined to "tighten their focus and fight" as they approach the match with a winning mindset.
Keigo HIGASHI, who has been the key player in the team's three consecutive wins, says he is looking forward to this match. Since his return to the starting lineup in the Nagoya match, the team has been on a winning streak and he has been improving his form to match the team's pace. If he plays in the Tosu match, it will be the first game at Ajinomoto Stadium since the Sanfrecce Hiroshima match in Sec. 2. HIGASHI says, "Ajinomoto is a special place. It was frustrating to watch from the outside when the team was struggling. It's important for us to play with all our might at our home ground and enjoy ourselves." The number 10, who has made a comeback, will lead Tokyo's final push with strength.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter Cklamovski]
Q, we were able to return to Ajinomoto Stadium with three consecutive wins.
A, I am very happy, but it is necessary to carefully reflect on the performance up to this point. It is important to analyze the game performance and continue to build on the good parts. With a strong mentality, we will continue to prepare for the Sagan Tosu match.
Q, Please review the Yokohama F.Marinos match from the previous round.
A, everyone, including substitute players, fought strongly and contributed to the victory. We allowed a goal early on, but as a team, we followed our rules and showed our maximum performance. Once again, the first goal is very important in controlling the game, and we need to improve for the Tosu match. We want to take control of the game in various situations that may occur during the match and lead it to our advantage.
What kind of challenge is necessary for a 4-game winning streak?
A, this season, we were unable to extend our winning streak. Of course, there were various events that happened throughout the season. However, the most important thing right now is right in front of us. We have a strong sense of preparation up to this point. With a strong conviction, we want to fight passionately to deliver victory to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, contributed greatly to the victory in the starting lineup against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos. Please tell us again about the sense of accomplishment.
I am very happy to have contributed to the winning streak, and above all, I feel the team's performance is good on the pitch. If the team's performance is good, I think the players' individual form will naturally improve, and I want to approach the match against Sagan Tosu this week in a good atmosphere.
Q, What was the factor that led to an increase in performance while being away from victory for a while?
I think we were able to "let go" in a good way from the second half of the 29th round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Of course, the tactical aspect led to three consecutive wins, but I think the most important thing was the mental aspect. By winning against Nagoya Grampus, I feel like each player was able to release the burden they were carrying.
Q, How is the defensive response, which tends to focus on scoring and winning streaks?
A, our high defensive positioning and quick transition from defense to offense that we have valued since the start of the season has not been expressed well in the summer matches. Personally, in the most recent match where I started, I was particularly conscious and felt the satisfaction of our high defensive positioning leading to good attacks.
Q, In the previous match against Sagan Tosu, you scored and contributed to the victory. Can you tell us about your impression of the opponent?
A, I think both teams have changed since the last match and I want to show our evolved form on the pitch. In the away match, it was a very difficult game, but by continuing to show the good parts we have been able to express in recent matches, I believe we can approach a 4-game winning streak.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q, This week's Sagan Tosu match is a crucial game for their 4th consecutive win.
A, I want to focus on the upcoming match and forget about winning so far. Rather than thinking of it as a 4-game winning streak, I have a strong desire to "win" the match in front of us, especially at home. The team is currently in a good flow and I want to fight without letting our guard down.
One of the reasons for our 3 consecutive wins is that our defense has improved.
A, I am always thinking about how to press from the front, and while defending, I am conscious of how to move my teammates and how to go for the ball. I also constantly communicate with the players behind me to strive for better defense.
Q, the comeback goal against Yokohama F.Marinos was exactly like that.
A, our defense is functioning well and it is leading us in a positive direction. Of course, it may be best to have possession of the ball for a longer period of time, but it is also important to not concede any goals. Even if we do concede, our team has a good flow and can recover. We want to continue this good atmosphere and win again in the next game.
Q, I think the good cooperation with Diego OLIVEIRA has led to multiple goals.
A, we both played thinking that it would get better, and we were able to build a good relationship. Our relationship and positions have improved, and Diego has told me, "You can play freely." I myself am conscious of taking positions while watching Diego's position and movements.
