A match to seize 3 points with strong determination and aim for a 4th consecutive win

　The league's Sec. 2, which had been postponed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, is being held. We will face Fagiano Okayama away. In the previous match, we allowed Mito to come back, but we narrowly won 3 to 2, achieving our third consecutive victory. We have also risen to 3rd place in the standings. The point difference with the 1st place team is now 2, but looking at the lower ranks, there are 4 teams tightly packed within a 3-point difference from Tokyo. Coach Okuma stated, "Without being conscious of our current ranking or points, I want to maintain tension and focus, and with a strong mindset, aim to secure 3 points in each match."

　Okayama, currently in 18th place with 12 points, is under the guidance of coach Masanaga KAGEYAMA, who has been in charge since last season. They aim to create chances through build-up play and have acquired defender Stoyanov this season. Although FW Thiago, who has scored 6 goals, will be suspended for this match, they will set up in a 3-6-1 formation, with MF Ishihara and FW Kishida providing speed, and the runs of wing-backs MF Kobayashi and Sawaguchi being sharp.

　Tokyo welcomed Gonda, who fought in the Olympic qualifiers as part of the U-22 Japan national team, to the bench. Shiota stated, "With players who have mobility in the front line, it becomes difficult to narrow down the target," emphasizing the importance of the defensive midfielders and wingbacks providing solid coverage and filling spaces. Additionally, Okayama's formation will resemble a five-back when defending, so the key to their attack will be how to create chances in tight spaces and convert them into goals.　

　Continuing to circulate the ball as before, we aim to break through with unexpected plays that exploit the opponent's weaknesses, such as the advances of Konno and Morishige, and seize the goal, aiming for our fourth consecutive win. The match started at 19:33 with Okayama's kickoff at Kanko Stadium, where the lingering heat was stifling.

Tokyo Aim For Fourth Straight Win

FC Tokyo traveled south to take on Fagiano Okayama in a game rescheduled due to the Great Tohoku Earthquake. Tokyo had held off a late surge from Mito Hollyhock to prevail 3-2 in the previous outing, a win that lifted the club to third in the league. Just two points separated Tokyo from top place but a chasing pack of four clubs lurked three points behind. Manager Kiyoshi Okuma commented, "It's no time to be thinking about points or rankings; instead, we've got to maintain our edge and our concentration as we go about earning three points from each game we play."
Opponents Okayama lay in 18th place with 12 points at kick off. First-year manager Masanaga Kageyama was attempting to nurture a team that built moves and finished them with attempts on goal, and the side had made the acquisition of veteran defender Stoyanov this season. Six-goal leading scorer Thiago was suspended for the hosts, who usually favored a 3-6-1 formation, with forward Kishida and midfielder Ishihara supplying the pace and side backs Kobayashi and Sawaguchi lending their weight to a thrusting attack.
Gonda returned from duty with the Japan U-22 Olympic Team to take a place on the bench. Shiota commented, "The opposition have mobile players in their frontline so it's going to be difficult to keep things tight." The Tokyo defensive midfielders and side halves would need to cover effectively and plug any holes that appeared. With the Okayama side backs dropping back to create a virtual five-man defensive line, Tokyo would need to make the best use of whatever space was available to create chances, while Konno and Takahashi would be expected to join the attack and exploit any chinks in the hosts' defensive armor.
Okayama kicked off shortly after 7:30 pm on a hot and humid evening.

Morishige's header explodes! Leading by one goal at halftime

　Okayama launched an attack utilizing the speed of their forwards from a coordinated press. However, Tokyo responded calmly, trying to maintain possession and take control, but they made mistakes and couldn't find their rhythm. In the 11th minute, a feed aimed behind Tokyo's defense allowed Okayama forward Kishida to break free, creating a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but Shiota made a good save with excellent judgment to escape the crisis.

　In the 24th minute, Konno's pass to the front went over the head of the opposing GK, and it seemed like it could have been a goal, but it was saved by the GK's desperate cover and resulted in a corner kick. In the 31st minute, Tokunaga passed to Tanabe, who dribbled inside. At just the right moment, Kajiyama took a shot, but it hit the defender and resulted in another corner kick. From there, they created further chances, and in the end, Tokunaga aimed for a long-range shot, but the GK caught it.

　After that, although they were able to circulate the ball, they continued to struggle to exploit gaps as Okayama's solid defense and quick counterattacks functioned effectively. However, in the 39th minute, Tanabe entered the right area and initiated a play, leading to a corner kick from Tokunaga's shot that was deflected. In the 40th minute, Morishige scored with a header from a right corner kick taken by Tanizawa! From the set piece, Morishige marked his second consecutive goal and opened the scoring. Furthermore, Tokyo seized opportunities but could not secure an additional goal. They went into halftime with a one-goal lead.

Morishige Header Gives Tokyo Lead

Okayama attempted to press Tokyo systematically and use their speed in attack. Tokyo maintained their organization however and sought to seize the initiative but mistakes prevented them from establishing a rhythm. In the 11th minute Okayama forward Kishida raced through the Tokyo defense to meet a through ball and bore down on goal; Shiota stood firm and pulled off a fine save to deny the hosts the opening goal. At the other end Konno's long ball forward nearly embarrassed Okayama keeper Mago in the 24th minute as he misread the flight of the ball and watched in horror as it sailed over his head; somehow he managed to scramble back and saved his blushes by pawing the ball off the line and away for a corner. In the 31st minute Tanabe received the ball from Tokunaga, cut inside and fed Kajiyama in a central position. Kajiyama struck fiercely but his effort hit a defender and deflected out for a corner. Tokyo threatened from the set play, Tokunaga eventually firing a long-range blast that Mago held cleanly.
Tokyo enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to break down the Okayama defense. The complexion of the game changed at a stroke in the 40th minute as Tanabe dribbled his way into the home penalty area and Tokunaga's resulting shot clipped a defender on its way out. Morishige rose to meet Yazawa's corner and powered the ball past Mago to give Tokyo the lead. The visitors created further chances but failed to convert any and Morishige's second goal in consecutive games was the difference as the half time whistle blew.

Takahashi's first J-League goal secures a lead and marks the fourth consecutive victory

　In the second half, Tokyo takes control. 49th minute: a free kick from about 25 meters in the center. Morishige's shot hits the wall and goes to Cesar just in front of the right area. From here, he takes a step forward freely and shoots, but it goes across the goal. In the 57th minute, a big switch from Konno. Tanabe, who was on the left side, advances and takes a dribble shot. The ball goes wide of the goal.

　In the 59th minute, Tokunaga dribbled through the gap between the opposing defenders on the right side and took a shot. Although it lacked power, it hit the left post... In the 61st minute, Ishikawa was brought in to replace Tanabe. Gradually, Okayama began to show signs of fatigue, while Tokyo maintained their focus and circulated the ball. Although they struggled to create clear-cut chances, they finally scored the long-awaited additional goal in the 75th minute.

　Tokunaga's throw-in was received by Hanyu in a high position on the right side of the area, who quickly connected with Suzuki. The substitute Suzuki drew the opposing defender and sent a backward pass to Takahashi, who confidently struck a middle shot that found the net! With Takahashi's first goal in J-League, the lead was extended. Nevertheless, Okayama, refusing to give up, attempted a counterattack by fluidly changing positions in their attacking line and pushing defender Stoyanov forward. However, they showed a concentrated defense centered around Shiota, keeping a clean sheet to secure the victory! They fought patiently and earned a valuable 3 points away, achieving their fourth consecutive win.

　[Player Comments] {Takahashi} "I have always thought that I want to score a goal someday. Today, Masato scored again, and I thought, 'I want to too...' Before that, when I woke up in the morning, I had a feeling that I might be able to score (laughs). About three minutes before that goal, I changed positions a bit with Yohei-san and moved forward. When it was passed to Tatsu-san, I moved up to the area and called for the ball. I think Tatsu-san responded to that call and passed it to me. For the shot, rather than aiming for a specific course, I focused on making contact with the center of the ball and shot it without thinking."

　I am happy about my first goal, but Gon-chan said I was 'celebrating in a really strange way,' so I will check the video later (laughs). Right after I took the shot, it got a bit quiet and no one was celebrating, and for a moment I thought I had missed. But right after that, everyone started celebrating, and I ran towards the supporters. I try to play each match without regrets, but I want to accumulate the positive aspects and work hard to correct the issues.

　Hanyu: "The heat was a factor, and I had the impression that Okayama was 'troublesome.' We couldn't execute the defense we had been working on, and the opponent had players who could build up play, making it a difficult match. Winning away is not easy, but I think it was good that we took the lead with a set piece and managed to win."

　(The second goal started when I took the throw-in myself and received it in a high position.) I always try to exploit the opponent's weaknesses. I am conscious of getting into areas where the opponent is tightly packed. In that sense, I wanted to make more vertical movements to make it harder for the opponent to focus on us during the flow of the game. For example, when a player from the second line has the ball and looks up, it would have been better if the side midfielder and the forward could alternate in exploiting the space behind the opponent. I want to improve that kind of coordination.

　[Coach Okuma's Press Conference Summary] "In the second half, due to the heat, we were able to move the ball around, and the opponent's legs stopped, allowing us to do what we wanted. However, there were many points to reflect on, such as the self-destructive way we lost the ball in the first half, and there were many areas where we were too lenient towards soccer. It was hot, but it was the same for both sides, and in the first half, Okayama executed their counterattacks as planned. As always, the effort in the second half is a plus for the team as we move into the upcoming season, so we will maintain that."

　How to avoid being countered due to poor ball recovery. One way is to ensure we finish with a shot to prevent counters. There are still areas that haven't improved, so it's crucial to build strength and accumulate experience in each match, especially in this heat. However, considering the humidity, I think it's hotter today with no wind than in the Kanto region. I saw the players sweating at halftime, but they did well to push through until the end. Next, we have a match in two days, and I want to perform well at home.

　[Summary of the press conference by Masanaga KAGEYAMA, Coach of Okayama] "We had a match with three days in between for both teams. However, we were fortunate to welcome this match here at Kansta in the middle of a three-game series, with many supporters cheering for us. I feel very regretful about losing to the strong FC Tokyo without scoring. In terms of the flow of the game, we approached it with some respect for the strong opponent FC Tokyo, and we were doing well in the first half. Set pieces tend to have a high scoring rate at any time during any match, but I wish we could have maintained our concentration as a team when we were progressing according to our plan during that time."

　I think it's unfortunate that we were caught out due to a lack of concentration and slow preparation in response to the second goal, which was not a particularly difficult situation to correct from the throw-in. However, the players showed their fighting spirit until the end, and especially a few of them played for the team while showcasing their strengths. We have a match against Ehime coming up in three days, and I want to prepare as much as possible for it.

Takahashi's First Professional Goal Seals The Win

Tokyo seized the initiative as the second half unfolded and had a chance to double the lead as they earned a free kick some 25 metres from goal in the 49th minute. Morishige lashed the ball into the wall, the deflection falling neatly to Cesar unmarked on the right of the penalty area. Cesar took one step and shot but his effort flew narrowly wide of the upright. Konno sprayed a long crossfield ball out to Tanabe in the 57th minute; Tanabe cut inside and shot but again failed to test Mago.
In the 59th minute Tokunaga skipped between two defenders and weaved his way forward before letting fly. The shot lacked power but still beat Mago and then smacked against the post. Ishikawa replaced Tanabe in the 61st minute. Forced to chase the ball for long periods Okayama began to tire, while Tokyo bided their time before striking the killer blow in the 75th minute.
Tokunaga took a throw in on the right and picked out Hanyu, deep inside the Okayama penalty area. Hanyu quickly laid the ball off to substitute Suzuki who drew defenders towards him before cutting a cross back towards the advancing Takahashi. Takahashi met the ball cleanly and earned his first goal as a professional with a firm drive that gave Mago no chance. The hosts continued to fight, changing positions fluidly and pushing Stoyanov forward into the attack. The Tokyo defence, with Shiota in command, held firm to the bitter end and the final whistle blew on a 2-0 away win that earned three valuable points and stretched the winning run to four games.


Players' comments 
Takahashi 
"I'd always wanted to score a goal someday. Today Masato got one and I did too; I actually woke up this morning feeling that today it was going to happen. About three minutes before the goal I'd changed positions with Yohei ( Kajiyama ) and called out to Tatsu ( Suzuki ) when I got to the edge of the area. Maybe he reacted to my voice and gave me the ball. More than trying to pick a spot I just met the ball dead centre and put everything into the shot. I was delighted to score my first goal but Konno made a remark about what he called my very strange celebration. I suppose I'll have to watch it on the video. After I hit the ball it seemed to go quiet and for a moment I thought I'd missed, but then everyone started celebrating and I ran over to our fans as well. We're doing our best to leave no regrets over our performances after every game, to increase the positives and fix what needs fixing".

Hanyu
"It was very humid and Okayama have the image of being a tricky team. We haven't been able to shut teams down by defending from the front, the opposition are able to build play and it became a difficult game. It's never easy winning away but we took the lead from a set play and it's very satisfying that we won the game.
Regarding my positioning for the second goal I can say that I'm always looking to exploit even the smallest spaces in the opposition defence. In open play I try to be as elusive as possible and today I had wanted to make more runs straight up and down. For example, when a player in the second row has the ball then a forward and a side half exchange positions, leaving room for a run behind the opposition defence. We could have done with more of that and it's the kind of movement we want to increase".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"We managed to tire the opposition out by moving the ball around in the second half. Still, we have a lot to reflect on from our first half performance particularly in the way we gave the ball away in self-destructive positions and the naivety of some of our play. The heat affected both teams equally and we exposed ourselves to counter attacks by pushing forward so much in the first half. That's been the usual pattern although the way we dug in in the second half bodes well for the future and is something we want to continue. We have to focus on the way we concede possession in poor positions and allow the opposition to counter attack and then prevent it by finishing moves with an attempt on goal. I think today's game will be important in showing us how to deal with the heat we will face in the upcoming games. There was no breeze at all here today and it was hotter than in the Kanto region. I saw how heavily the players were sweating at half time and want to praise the way they fought to the bitter end. The next game is only two days away and we want to prepare carefully for it".

Fagiano Okayama manager Masanaga Kageyama
"Both sides were playing their second game in three days. We were fortunate to have this game at home and receive great support from a large number of fans. It's disappointing that we couldn't keep them out but Tokyo is a strong opponent and we were able to put in a good performance in the first half. Set plays always carry a threat but considering the timing and the state of the game we had wanted the team to maintain its concentration. The second goal came about due to a loss of concentration and a slowness to react that was disappointing. Still, the players showed a great fighting spirit and many reproduced the best of their ability for the team. We only have two days until the Ehime game but aim to prepare the team as well as we possibly can".