<Previous Match: Yokohama F.Marinos Review>
A brilliant comeback after conceding an early goal. The one who capped it off was the passionate attacker who has continued to call for collaboration with fans and supporters.
Tokyo fell behind in the 4th minute of the first half, but gradually took control and launched a counterattack, with Teppei OKA scoring the equalizer in the 19th minute of the first half. In the 15th minute of the second half, Kota TAWARATSUMIDA succeeded in turning the game around with a superb goal after a high-speed dribble from midfield.
And just as the signs of victory became more pronounced towards the end, the player wearing number 39 powerfully and elegantly slotted in a decisive goal.
Hotaka NAKAMURA intercepted on the right side and supplied the ball forward. Leon NOZAWA, who broke through here, crossed it to the center, and Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who ran into the goal area, connected with his left foot.
Against a ground cross from the right, while carefully checking the position of the opposing goalkeeper, I thought, "It is more likely to score by opening my body and using my left foot rather than matching it with my right foot," and skillfully changed the direction of my body to create a shooting lane, flowing the ball into the opposite side with a one-touch from my left foot in a technical strike.
The man who has been running tirelessly since the first half widened the lead to two points with a magnificent dance in front of the many fans and supporters who packed the away section, making the victory definitive.
A circle of joy formed as teammates rushed in from the bench. Dancing together with Go HATANO, Ryotaro ARAKI, and Oka to the loud chant of Nakagawa from the stands behind the goal, they shared their happiness. With eyes closed and hands on their ears, they fully embraced the cheers directed at them.
This victory is the first for Tokyo against Yokohama F.Marinos since the 2020 season. The team has achieved its second three-game winning streak of the season.
Match Preview
In the J1 League Sec. 30, Tokyo achieved a great victory against Nagoya Grampus at the Japan National Stadium with a score of 4-1. This marked their first win in seven matches, breathing new life into the team. They then won away games against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos with scores of 2-0 and 3-1, respectively, achieving their second three consecutive wins of the season. Teruhito NAKAGAWA, who led the attack with two goals in these three matches, stated, "The results we achieve in the remaining six matches and what we can show to our fans and supporters will affect next season. There is also a chance to participate in the AFC Champions League elite, so I want to do my best."
This match returns to our home Ajinomoto Stadium, where we will face Sagan Tosu. Although they are currently at the bottom of the standings, a team aiming for survival is not an easy opponent. The players are each determined to "stay focused and fight," preparing for a decisive victory.
Keigo HIGASHI, the key player in the three consecutive victories, expressed his desire to "enjoy" this match. The winning streak started from the Nagoya match, where he returned to the starting lineup, and he has been improving his form in sync with the team. If he plays in the match against Tosu, it will be his first game at Ajinomoto Stadium since the Sec. 2 match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. HIGASHI stated, "Ajinomoto is a special place. It was frustrating to watch from the outside when the team was struggling. It is important to play with all our might and enjoy ourselves at our home." The revival of the number 10 will strongly lead the final push in Tokyo.
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 pleased, but it is necessary to thoroughly review our performance so far. It is important to analyze the game performance and continue building on the good aspects. With a strong mentality, we will proceed with better preparation for the match against Sagan Tosu.
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama F.Marinos in the last round.
A, including the substitute players, everyone fought powerfully and contributed to the victory. Although we conceded a goal early on, the team followed the agreed tactics and delivered their maximum performance. Once again, the first goal is extremely important for controlling the match, and this is something we must improve ahead of the Sagan Tosu match. In various situations that may arise during the game, we want to firmly seize the flow and take control of the match.
Q: What kind of challenge is necessary for a four-game winning streak?
A, we have not been able to extend our winning streak this season. Of course, various events have occurred as the season has progressed. However, the most important thing is right in front of us now. We feel confident that we have prepared well up to this point. With strong conviction, we want to fight passionately to deliver victory to our fans and supporters.
[Player Interview]
＜Yasuki KIMOTO＞
Q, I made a significant contribution to the victory in the starting lineup against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos. Please tell us about your feelings again.
A, I am very happy to have contributed to the winning streak, and above all, I feel the team's good performance on the pitch. When the team's performance is good, I believe each player's condition naturally improves, and I want to approach this week's match against Sagan Tosu with a good atmosphere.
Q: What factors contributed to the improvement in performance after being away from victory for a while?
A, I believe that from the second half of Sec. 29 against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, we were able to mentally break free in a positive way. Of course, tactical factors contributed to the three consecutive wins, but above all, I think it was a matter of mindset. Winning against Nagoya Grampus seemed to have lifted a burden that each player had been carrying.
Q: While there is a tendency to focus on scoring and consecutive wins, how do you feel about the defensive aspect?
A, the high pressing defense and the quick transition from defense to attack, which we have valued since the start of the season, were not well expressed in the matches during the summer. In the most recent match where I started, I was especially conscious of this on the pitch, and I also feel that the high pressing defense is leading to good attacking opportunities.
Q, in the last match against Sagan Tosu, you scored and contributed to the victory. Please tell us about your impression of the opponent.
A: I believe the situation has changed for both teams since our last encounter, and I want to show our evolved form on the pitch. The away match was a very challenging game, but by continuing the good aspects we have demonstrated in recent matches, I think we can get closer to a fourth consecutive win.
<Ryotaro ARAKI>
Q: This week's match against Sagan Tosu is a game that could lead to our fourth consecutive win.
A, I want to forget about the fact that we have been winning so far and focus on the match in front of us. Rather than thinking about a fourth consecutive win, I have a stronger desire to "win" the upcoming match, especially since it's a home game. The team is currently riding a good momentum, so I want to play without letting my guard down.
Q, one of the factors for the three consecutive wins is the improvement in defense.
A, I am always thinking about how to apply pressure from the front, and while defending, I am conscious of how to move my teammates and how I myself go to win the ball. I also constantly communicate with the players behind me, aiming for better defense.
Q, the comeback goal against Yokohama F.Marinos was exactly in that form.
A, I feel that our defense is functioning well and that this is leading to positive outcomes. Of course, having longer possession of the ball might be the best approach, but preventing goals is also important. Even if we do concede, the current team has a good momentum to recover. We want to maintain this good atmosphere and aim to win the next match as well.
I think the good collaboration with Diego OLIVEIRA has also led to multiple goals.
A, we have been playing with the belief that things will improve eventually, and we have been able to build a good relationship. Our connection and positioning have been getting better, and Diego has told me, 'Feel free to play as you like.' I myself am conscious of positioning while watching Diego’s location and movements.
