A strong battle to grab 3 points and aim for a 4-game winning streak

　The postponed second round of the league, which was postponed due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, was held. They faced Fagiano Okayama away. In the previous round, they allowed Mito to catch up, but they won 3-2 and won three consecutive games. They also rose to third place in the standings. However, when looking at the lower ranks, there is a fierce battle with four teams crowded within 3 points behind Tokyo. Coach Okuma says, "We want to grab 3 points with a strong feeling in each game, without being conscious of our current ranking and points, and maintaining tension and concentration."

　Okayama, who currently has 12 points and is in 18th place. Under the guidance of coach Masanaga KAGEYAMA, who took over last season, they aim to create chances through build-up play and have acquired DF Stoyanov this season. Although FW Thiago, who has scored 6 goals this season, will be suspended for this match, they will line up in a 3-6-1 formation with speedy players such as MF Ishihara and FW Kishida, and the wing-backs MF Kobayashi and Sawaguchi will also make sharp runs.

　Tokyo, with Gonda, who played in the Olympic qualifiers as a member of the U-22 Japan national team, also joined the bench. Shiota said, "We have mobile players in the front line, so it's difficult to narrow down the targets." It is important for the defensive midfielder and side back to cover well and fill the space. In addition, Okayama's formation is close to a 5-back when defending, so the key to success in attack will be how to create chances in tight spaces and convert them into goals.　

　In the process of passing the ball as usual, we will aim for 4 consecutive wins by taking advantage of unexpected plays such as Konno and Morishige's attacking movements and scoring goals. The match started at 19:33 with a kick-off from Okayama at Kanko Stadium, where the heat still lingers.

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 favoured 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 sidebacks 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 armour.
Okayama kicked off shortly after 7:30pm on a hot and humid evening.

Mori's header explodes! Take the lead by one point and turn it around.

　Okayama has been launching attacks from coordinated presses, utilizing the speed of their front line. However, Tokyo calmly responded and tried to take control by connecting passes, but they were unable to find their rhythm due to some mistakes. In the 11th minute, Okayama's FW Kishida was able to break through the Tokyo DF's defense and create a 1-on-1 situation with GK, but Shioda made a good save to avoid danger.

　At 24 minutes, a pass from Konno went over the head of the opposing GK who had come out, almost resulting in a goal, but the GK desperately covered it and escaped with a CK. At 31 minutes, Tokunaga → Tanabe dribbled into the center. Kajiyama timed it well and took a shot, but it hit a DF and resulted in a CK. From here, they created more chances, and in the end, Tokunaga aimed for a long-range shot, but the GK caught it.

　After that, although they were able to pass the ball, Okayama's solid defense and quick counterattacks continued to prevent them from finding an opening. However, in the 39th minute, Tanabe made a move into the right area and won a corner kick from Tokunaga's shot. In the 40th minute, Morishige scored a header from the right corner kick taken by Taniyama! From a set piece, Morishige marked his second consecutive goal and gave Tokyo the lead. Despite creating more chances, Tokyo was unable to score another goal. They went into halftime with a 1-0 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 defence 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 defence. 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 4th consecutive win

　Tokyo continues to dominate in the second half. In the 49th minute, a free kick from about 25m in the center. The shot by Julian hit the wall and went to Cesar in the front right area. He took a step forward and took a shot, but it went wide. In the 57th minute, a big side change from Konno. Tabata, who was on the left side, dribbled and took a shot. The ball went outside the frame.

　At 59 minutes, Tokunaga dribbled through the opponent's defense on the right side and took a shot. Although there was no momentum, it hit the left post... At 61 minutes, Ishikawa was substituted for Tanabe. Gradually, signs of fatigue began to show for Okayama, while Tokyo maintained their focus and passed the ball around. Although they couldn't create any decisive chances, they finally scored an additional goal at 75 minutes.

　Yu Hanyu receives Tokunaga's throw-in in a high position on the right side, and immediately connects it to Suzuki. Suzuki, who came on as a substitute, draws the opponent's DF and sends a minus pass to the center, where Takahashi firmly stabs in a middle shot! With Takahashi's first J-League goal, they extended their lead. However, Okayama did not give up and continued to attack with fluid position changes in the attacking line and by pushing DF Stoyanov forward. But with Shioda at the center, they showed a concentrated defense until the end and kept a clean sheet to secure the victory! They fought patiently and achieved a valuable 3 points away, making it 4 consecutive wins.

　【Player Comments】《Takahashi》"I've always wanted to score a goal someday. Today, when Masato scored again, I thought to myself, 'I want to score too...' And even before that, when I woke up this morning, I had a feeling that I could score (laughs). About three minutes before that goal, I changed positions with Yohei and moved up front. When the ball was passed to Tatsu, I moved up to the edge of the box and called for it. I think Tatsu responded to my voice and passed it to me. For the shot, I didn't aim for a specific spot, I just focused on hitting the ball with the center of my foot."

　First goal is exciting, but Gon-chan told me that I was "celebrating in a weird way", so I'll check it on video later (laughs). Right after I took the shot, everyone was quiet and no one was happy, so for a moment I thought I missed. But right after that, everyone was happy and I ran towards the supporters. I always try to have no regrets in each game, but I want to keep building on the positive aspects and work hard to fix the issues."

　"Hanyu" "There was also heat, and Okayama had the impression of being "troublesome". We couldn't defend as we had before, and the opponent had players who could build up, so it was a difficult game. It's not easy to win away, but I think it was good that we were able to take the lead with a set piece and win."

　(The second goal started with me stealing the throw-in and receiving it in a high position. As for me, I always try to take advantage of the opponent's weaknesses. I am conscious of entering into the opponent's tight spaces. In that sense, I wanted to have more vertical movement to make it harder for the opponent to narrow down the target in the flow of the game... For example, when the player in the second row has the ball and looks up, it would have been good if the side half and the top player could have alternately attacked behind the opponent. I want to improve that kind of coordination.)

　[Summary of Coach Ooguma's Press Conference] "In the second half, we were able to do what we wanted by keeping the ball moving in this heat, and the opponent's legs stopped. There were many things to reflect on, such as the self-destructive way we lost the ball in the first half and the fact that we were too lenient in our approach to soccer. It's hot, but it's hot for both teams, and in the first half, we were countered by Okayama, who kept pushing forward. It's always like this, but our efforts in the second half will be a plus for the team in the upcoming season, so we need to keep it up."

　How to avoid being countered by improving the way we are being taken away. For example, by finishing with a shot to avoid being countered. There are still areas that are not yet positive, so it is important to build up strength to make them positive and fight each game in this heat. However, including the humidity, I think today is hotter than in the Kanto region with no wind. I saw the players sweating at halftime, but there were also parts where they worked hard until the end. Next is two days in between, but I want to do well at home."

　【Okayama・Coach Masanaga KAGEYAMA's Press Conference Summary】"Both teams played in the middle of a three-day match. However, we were fortunate enough to have the second match of the three consecutive games here at Prifoods.S and we were supported by many supporters. We are very disappointed to have been shut out and defeated by the strong team FC Tokyo. As for the flow of the game, we approached it with some respect for the strong opponent FC Tokyo and it went well in the first half. Set pieces are always a high-scoring opportunity in any game at any time, but I wish we had focused more as a team and defended according to our plan during that time."

　I think it's a shame that we were done in by a lack of concentration and slow preparation, which isn't that difficult to fix, in response to the second goal. However, the players showed their fighting spirit until the end, and some of them played for the team while showing their strengths. We have a game against Ehime in three days, but I want to prepare as much as possible and face it."

Takahashi's First Professional Goal Seals The Win

Tokyo took control of the game in the second half and had an opportunity to increase their lead when they were awarded a free kick just 25 meters from the goal in the 49th minute. Morishige's shot was deflected off the wall and fell perfectly to Cesar, who was unmarked on the right side of the penalty area. Cesar took a step and took a shot, but it narrowly missed the goal. In the 57th minute, Konno sent a long crossfield pass to Tanabe, who cut inside and took a shot, but it did not challenge Mago.
In the 59th minute, Tokunaga dribbled past two defenders and took a shot, which lacked power but still managed to beat Mago and hit the post. Tanabe was substituted for Ishikawa in the 61st minute. As Okayama tired from chasing the ball, Tokyo patiently waited for their chance and finally scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute.
Tokunaga took a throw-in on the right and found Hanyu deep inside the Okayama penalty area. Hanyu quickly passed the ball to substitute Suzuki, who drew defenders towards him before crossing the ball back to Takahashi, who scored his first professional goal with a powerful shot that left Mago with no chance. The hosts continued to fight, with Stoyanov pushing forward into the attack. However, Tokyo's defense, led by Shiota, held strong until the final whistle, securing a 2-0 away win and extending their winning streak 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've 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 MF has the ball then a FW and a DF 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".