＜Match Review＞
Following the FC Machida Zelvia match on Saturday, the second consecutive home game at Ajinomoto Stadium. In order to overcome the frustration from last weekend, we aim for our first home victory of the season at our home ground.
Tokyo made five changes to their starting eleven from the previous match, taking into account the congested schedule of midweek matches. Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was placed in goal, with Enrique Trevizan in the center of the back three, Kanta DOI on the right, and Teppei OKA on the left. Soma ANZAI was used as the left wingback, with Kosuke SHIRAI on the right, and Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI in the defensive midfield. Everton Gaudino and Kei Sato, making his first start in red and blue, played as the inside halves, with the tall Keita YAMASHITA leading the attack as the lone striker.
In addition, Maki KITAHARA, a member of FC Tokyo U-18, has been selected for the first time in an official match. He made a strong impression during this year's Okinawa camp, and now he has been named to the top team. If he is used, he will break the record for the youngest player in the J1 League at the age of 15 years, 7 months, and 19 days, so there is a lot of attention on whether he will get a chance to play.
On the other hand, Nagoya Grampus adopts the same 3-4-2-1 system as Tokyo. Former Tokyo player Tokumoto will launch a bold attack from the left, while Uchida will do the same from the right as a wing back, so it is important to be vigilant. In the midst of Tokyo's third consecutive "mirror game," how will they use fresh players to make changes in their attack?
1stHALF - Yamashita, who pressed forward to the goal, scored his first goal in blue and red!
Tokyo was the first to show their attacking prowess from the early stages of the game, as both teams were feeling each other out. In the 13th minute of the first half, player Takashi made a quick move from the right side and passed it to the right. Player Shirai crossed the ball and player Anzai was fouled, giving Tokyo a free kick opportunity. Anzai himself took the kick with his right foot, but unfortunately it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper and did not find the back of the net.
The start of the game was marked by scenes of playing deep in the final line, but gradually the team was able to hold the ball in higher positions and make attacking plays by making runs behind the defense and using through passes, showing their efforts to add creativity to their attacks.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, we were pushed back by the opponent and were almost scored on by a decisive looping shot, but goalkeeper Nozawa made a superb save to escape danger.
And in the 31st minute of the first half, a sharp attack typical of Tokyo bears fruit. In the midfield, Koizumi quickly collected a loose ball and Whitei received it and powerfully dribbled through the center. Sato, who had escaped to the left from here, received a pass and calmly turned back while observing the opponent's position. The player who had been on loan or had been absent for a long time due to injury, number 14, scored the long-awaited first goal in blue and red, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead. It was also Sato's first assist in Tokyo.
After that, the 11 players on the pitch showed great concentration and defended their goal, allowing Tokyo to lead by one point at halftime.
2ndHALF - Scored 2 additional points with sharp attacking and achieved the first home victory of the season.
In the second half, which was played without any substitutions, Tokyo was the first to create a big chance.
In the 5th minute of the second half, player Sato made a move from the right side to the center, and with a one-feint that disrupted the rhythm of the opposing defense that came to mark him in the penalty area, he sharply swung his right foot. Unfortunately, it missed to the left, but scenes of attacking the goal from a high position gradually increased.
In the second half, Nagoya's possession and aggressive attacking style resulted in additional points, in contrast to Tokyo's long possession time in the first half.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton made a strong vertical breakthrough from a long one-two with Koizumi on the right side. Although the cross from the right was cleared by the opponent in the center, the ball bounced off the opponent and fell in front of the goal, where Sato skillfully flicked it in with his heel for an additional point. Number 16 scored his first goal following his first assist in blue and red, and Tokyo extended their lead to two points. The goal stand shook to the "Wasshoi" chant, and the attacker who showed a performance of one goal and one assist received a big "Kane!" call.
In the 16th minute of the second half, Marcelo RYAN and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA were substituted in to activate the front line, replacing player Yamashita who scored the first goal and player Ewerton who assisted in the second goal. In the 19th minute of the second half, Nagoya's goal was allowed after receiving support from VAR, narrowing the gap to one point, but Tokyo continued to show focused defense and quick attacks.
In the 25th minute of the second half, Tawarazumi Tada player ran alone on the left side touchline and made a sharp through pass into the vertical space as he cut in towards the center. Sato player showed a fantastic attack by jumping out here. Although the shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and unfortunately could not shake the goal net, they continue to find chances with sharp attacks that draw the opponent in.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE was sent onto the pitch in place of Henrique, and placed in the center of the 3-back formation. In the 45th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO and Teruhito NAKAGAWA were substituted in for Shiroi and Sato, respectively. The substitution slots were used to firmly close the game.
And after 6 minutes of additional time in the second half, a solid defense was shown, focusing on tightening the center, and Ajinomoto Stadium saw its third moment of joy.
Tawarazumiya Tada player runs solo on the right side and passes to the front of the goal on a counter. As Nakagawa player's shot is stopped by the goalkeeper, Yasuzaki player runs in from behind and adds a point with a direct shot with his right foot. Tokyo hammered in the third goal to decide the game.
The match ended 3-1. The fresh members who were selected for the starting lineup were in full swing, and their sharp attacks, which were a major weapon until last season, were shining in a splendid victory at the home Ajinomoto Stadium. While there are still challenges in breaking down the opponent's defense, they proved that they can play soccer without any difference no matter who is on the pitch, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead with 2 wins and 1 loss.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Tetsuhei Oka/Kanta DOI/Henrique Trevisan (39th minute: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kosuke SHIRAI (45th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Soma ANZAI/Uh-hyeong KANG/Keiun SATO (45th minute: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI
FW Keita YAMASHITA (16th minute: Marcelo HIAN)/Ewerton GAUDINO (16th minute: Kota TAWARATSUMIDA)
SUBS
GK Go HATANO
DF Yasuki KIMOTO
MF Maki KITAHARA
FW Leon NOZAWA
MANAGER
Rikizo MATSUHASHI
GOAL
First Half 31st Minute: Keita Yamashita / Second Half 14th Minute: Keiin Sato / Second Half 45+6th Minute: Soma Yasuzaki
＜Nagoya Grampus＞
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yohei Takeda
DF Daiki Miya/Kennedyegbus Mikuni/Teruki Hara (First Half 41st Minute: Yuya Asano)
MF Yuhei Tokumoto/Keiya Shiihashi (Second Half 30th Minute: Gen Kato)/Syo Inagaki/Ryuji Izumi (Second Half 30th Minute: Kensuke Nagai)/Takuya Uchida
FW Yuya Yamagishi/Matheus Castro (Second Half 39th Minute: Tsukasa Morishima)
SUBS
GK Alex Kofuji Hori
DF Yuki Nogami/Yota Sato
MF Katsuhiro Nakayama/Ryosuke Yamanaka
MANAGER
Kenta HASEGAWA
GOAL
Second half 20 minutes: Keiya SHIIHASHI
[Interview with Rikizo MATSUHASHI, Manager]
Q, please review the game.
A,I am very satisfied that many fans and supporters came to the venue on a weekday night game and we were able to deliver a victory right in front of you. With your support, I believe we were able to win with your encouragement.
We are aware that the content of the match is not what we desired. We need to increase the cases where we can develop with more initiative, and we believe that it is necessary to do so in order to create more goals. Our defense may have been a bit heavy. It was only one goal conceded in the midst of still having some weaknesses, so we need to improve even more. However, I think it is highly commendable that we were able to make the most of every chance in the game. I believe that goals give us courage, so I want to firmly carry this victory over to the next match.
Q, Please evaluate player Keiichiro Sato, who responded to the expectations of his first starting lineup with 1 goal and 1 assist.
A, I think he can be highly evaluated and I believe he is a player who can do even more. I hope he continues to bring out his true strengths and prepares for the future.
Q: Maki Kitahara made the bench at the age of 15. Please tell us the reason and evaluation for putting Kitahara on the bench.
A, Okinawa camp, I thought he was a player who could fight on the stage of the J1 league since I saw Kitahara player. In terms of judgment and ideas in the one-on-one game, he is a player who has a lot of skills. In this game, the opponent was very strong in pressing, but at 2-0, there was a plan to use him depending on the time. After that, we conceded a goal and probably had more time to defend, so I thought there would be more opportunities for counterattacks if we could make them work in our attacks.
I thought that his passing ability and ability to break through the opponent's defense would be enough to be effective, and he could also dribble past people, so I thought it would be good to put him in the game. While considering the fatigue level of the central midfielders, the two who were starting this time were able to move without showing signs of fatigue, so it may have been disappointing for Kitahara, but he was not chosen to start.
Q: We have replaced all three players in the front line from the first two games of the season. Can you tell us your evaluation?
At first, I thought we could do a little more in both offense and defense. While being conscious of our defensive promises, we made some simple errors and ended up being on the defensive side. We couldn't fully demonstrate our attacking power, but I think we still scored points with their abilities. We told them that the decisive chances would be 2-on-1 situations with the goalkeeper. Mitsuru SATO made a good decision and it led to Keita YAMASHITA's goal. The second goal was well connected by Ewerton GAUDINO. They may not be completely satisfied with their performance, but they played a key role in our victory. I think this game will lead to the next one.
[Player Interview]
Sato Keiin Player
Q, please review today's game, which was your first start.
A, There were scenes where we controlled the ball and pushed forward, but in the middle of the game, we were pushed back by the opponent for a long time and conceded a goal. However, in that situation, we were able to score from a short counter and I think it was good. As a team, we were conscious of holding onto the ball a little more and advancing while breaking down the opponent. There were times when things didn't go well, but from today's victory, we want to reflect on and improve the points we need to work on and prepare for the next game.
Q, What instructions did coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI give you before starting the game?
A, as an attacking position, there were instructions to avoid the opponent's man marking and to play forward so that the team can effectively use the space created. It was a good impression that the team's desired style and my personal strengths were able to blend well.
Q, First goal after joining Tokyo led the team to victory.
A, it was a lucky goal. We were able to play a gritty game throughout the match, and I have experienced many times in my career where the ball rolls to players like that. Whether you see it as a coincidence or inevitability is up to you, but I just want to sincerely celebrate my first goal. (Choosing a heel shot) was a split-second decision, and it may have been the first time in my career that I made such a fancy shot (laughs). It was great that it went in so beautifully.
Q, There were also scenes where we shared joy with fans and supporters after the match.
A, it was the best atmosphere. I am very happy to score my first goal after transferring to Ajinomoto Stadium, which is my home. I am from Tokyo myself, and when I was young, I used to watch games from the stands. It is very moving to be able to go from being a supporter to being supported as a player. I am grateful to have been able to play in such a great atmosphere.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q, this was my first goal after joining Tokyo for my fourth season.
A, among various things, the coach and coaching staff, including the trainer, have supported me up to this point. I wanted to repay them, including during my rehabilitation, and I'm really glad I was able to score today and win. I was a bit too happy and don't remember much, but Keiichiro SATO gave me a good ball and all I had to do was tap it in. I think Kosuke SHIRAI passed it to Sato, and I was also positioning myself to be here if the ball rebounded off Sato's shot, and I was also positioning myself to receive a pass, so I think this was one of my strengths that came out.
Q, it was a game where we showed our commitment to the team by putting our bodies on the line.
A, I was really fired up to play from the start after a long time, and I'm relieved that we were able to win and score points by doing my best.
Q, how do you think this one point will lead to the next?
A, I think it's a really big point for me. I think it was really necessary for me right now, and I want to continue aiming for goals greedily in the future.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q, How do you look back on the last goal scene?
From the moment the ball entered Marcelo Ryan's feet, I knew something was going to happen, so I calmly guided it into the goal. My first thought was to keep it on target. I'm glad we were able to score an additional goal during that time.
Q, what were your feelings when you were celebrating in front of the goal stand immediately after scoring?
A, I couldn't participate in the camp due to injury and had a hard time improving my condition, so I had a difficult time. I think that goal was a goal that was full of frustrating and painful feelings.
Q, Today you played as a left wing back, what were you focusing on?
A, in the previous match we lost, and this time we had relatively fresh players on the front line, so we focused on being able to demonstrate new and fresh strength here.
Q, I think it was a game that proved that effective soccer can be played no matter who comes out.
A, I think it's impossible to see the top without fighting with the strength of the whole team. I hope that both the players who are playing in the game and those who are not will continue to work towards victory with the strength of everyone, as I think the consecutive games will continue from now on.
