Tokyo's three consecutive league victories were all achieved with clean sheets. This is the inevitable result of tactical organization and thorough defensive awareness.
Quoting Kim Seung-gyu's comments after the 1-0 victory against Kawasaki Frontale, "When to apply pressure" and "how to position oneself" have been shared among all players in recent matches. By simultaneously executing the approach to the ball holder and covering the surrounding areas, they create coordinated teamwork.
After the match against Avispa Fukuoka, Masato MORISHIGE jokingly said, "It might be 'un-Tokyo-like' to have three consecutive 1-0 wins with no goals conceded," but he proudly stated, "It is proof that we are able to play tightly contested matches."
It is undeniable that Tokyo, who conceded many goals consecutively in the early part of this season, has evolved by steadily accumulating points with their stability as their strength.
In addition, these results were achieved not by relying on fixed members, but by combining rotations. In the consecutive matches against Verdy, Kawasaki, and Fukuoka, the overall team performance did not decline despite changing the players on the field.
The ideal of a "team that can fight equally no matter who plays," advocated by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, is now beginning to take shape.
Stable build-up centered on Scholz
Alexander SCHOLZ, the only field player to have played full-time in the last three matches, brought defensive stability and is an iconic figure not only in defense but also as a switcher in attack.
Scholz has the flexibility to complement whoever his center-back partner is. In the match against Kawasaki, he paired with Kanta DOI, increasing the tempo with vertical passes and dribbling. In the match against Fukuoka, he coordinated with Morishige to develop a calm build-up. He delivers the same quality whether positioned on the left or right, and even when the opposing forwards press, he calmly creates opportunities to advance.
Notably, the dribbling advancement. Dribbling with the head up prevents the opposing player from focusing on a target, allowing the player to smoothly carry the ball up to the midfield position while the opponent, having lost track, looks on from the side.
This has increased the options for build-up play, significantly reducing the stagnation caused by sideways passes and the knocking effect when vertical passes fail. Stable ball control creates a positive cycle across the entire pitch, adding depth to the game.
Considering that Scholz, who positions himself on the final line, embodies the phrase raised by Coach Matsuhashi, "Good offense leads to good defense," it can be said that the coordination between offense and defense has greatly contributed to the recent three consecutive victories.
Towards the match against Yokohama F.Marinos
This week, we welcome Yokohama FM to our home ground. Although we suffered a 1-3 comeback defeat in the previous match against Gamba Osaka, their attacking power, led by Jordy CROUX and other dynamic attackers, is a threat. For Tokyo, the key points that will likely decide the outcome are the defensive strength that has secured consecutive wins and whether they can score additional goals to close out the match.
A home victory against Yokohama FM has been elusive since the 2019 season, but Tokyo has recently overcome opponents they previously struggled against in past matchups. By turning this momentum into confidence and approaching the game with energy, there is a strong possibility of breaking past barriers. Additionally, this season, Yokohama FM has not won any matches in which they conceded the first goal. To gauge their good form, Tokyo aims to score first and further deepen the confidence gained from three consecutive wins.
This season's Meiji Yasuda J1 League is also highly competitive. The outcome of a single match greatly affects the standings. To close the gap with the top teams and widen the difference from closely ranked Shimizu S-Pulse and Fagiano Okayama, this week's victory is extremely important. A win would mark the fourth consecutive victory. The prospect of extending the unbeaten streak without conceding a goal since the 2021 season is also in sight.
Passion creates passion (drama), and Ajinomoto Stadium awaits that moment. With the confidence of accumulated shutout victories, Tokyo takes the next step in this crucial match.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
