Match Review
Following Saturday's match against FC Machida Zelvia, a home back-to-back at Ajinomoto Stadium. Aiming for the first victory of the season at our home ground to clear the frustration experienced last weekend.
Considering the congested schedule with a midweek match in Tokyo, five players were changed in the starting eleven from the previous match. In goal, Taishi Brandon NOZAWA was placed, with a three-back formation featuring Enrique Trevisan in the center, Kanta DOI on the right, and Tetsuhira OKA on the left. The wing-backs were Soma ANZAI on the left and Kosuke SHIRAI on the right, while Takahiro KO and Kei KOIZUMI lined up as the holding midfielders. The inside midfielders were Ewerton GAUDINO and the debuting in the starting lineup, Megumi SATO, with the tall Keita YAMASHITA as the lone striker.
Additionally, Maki KITAHARA of FC Tokyo U-18 has been included on the bench for an official match for the first time. He made a strong impression during this year's Okinawa camp with his powerful play, and now he has joined the top team's roster. If he is utilized, he will break the J1 League's youngest record at 15 years, 7 months, and 19 days, so there is much attention on whether he will get the chance to play.
On the other hand, Nagoya Grampus adopts the same 3-4-2-1 system as Tokyo. The wingbacks, former Tokyo player Tokumoto attacking from the left and Uchida from the right, are ones to be wary of. For Tokyo, this will be the third consecutive 'mirror game', and it will be interesting to see how they incorporate fresh members to add variation to their attack.
1st HALF—Yamashita, who closed in front of the goal, scores his first goal in blue and red!
It was Tokyo that showed its strengths in attack first, starting from a cautious beginning where both sides were observing each other. In the 13th minute of the first half, after a smooth connection from the right side, Takahashi passed the ball to the right. When Shirai sent in a cross, Anzai was fouled, earning a free kick opportunity. Anzai himself aimed directly with his right foot, but unfortunately, he was thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper and could not shake the net.
At the start, there were many scenes of playing deep in the final line, but gradually the time spent in higher positions increased, and they began to incorporate movements to target behind the defense and passes to break through, adding creativity to their attacking play.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, we were pressed by the opponent and faced a decisive looping shot, but we escaped danger thanks to a superb save by goalkeeper Nozawa.
And in the 31st minute of the first half, a sharp attack characteristic of Tokyo bears fruit. Player Koizumi quickly closes in on a loose ball in midfield, which player Shirai receives and powerfully dribbles forward from the center. From here, player Sato, who breaks free to the left, receives the pass and calmly returns it while observing the opponent's positioning, and player Yamashita, who is positioned in front of the goal, scores. The long-awaited first goal in blue and red for number 14, who has experienced a loan transfer and a long-term absence due to injury, gives Tokyo the lead. Additionally, this marks Sato's first assist in Tokyo.
After that, the 11 players on the pitch showed high concentration to defend the goal, and Tokyo led by one point at halftime.
2nd HALF - With sharp attacking, we scored 2 additional goals and achieved our first home victory of the season.
In the second half, which started without any substitutions, it was Tokyo that created the first big chance.
In the 5th minute of the second half, Sato made a move from the right side to the center, and as he entered the penalty area, he executed a sharp feint to disrupt the rhythm of the approaching defender. He struck the ball sharply with his right foot, but unfortunately it went just to the left. However, the scenes of attacking the goal from high positions are gradually increasing.
In the first half, Tokyo had a long possession of the ball, while in the second half, Nagoya stood out with their possession and pressing, leading to an additional goal from their sharp attacking play.
In the 14th minute of the second half, Ewerton made a powerful breakthrough down the right side after a long one-two with Koizumi. This right cross was cleared by the opponent in the center, but the ball deflected off the opponent and floated in front of the goal, where Sato skillfully tapped it in with his heel for an additional goal. The player wearing number 16 scored his first goal following his first assist in blue and red, extending Tokyo's lead to two goals. The stands behind the goal swayed to the "Wasshoi" chant, and the attacker, who contributed with one goal and one assist, received a loud call of "Kane!"
Yamashita, who scored the crucial opening goal, and Ewerton, who contributed to the additional goal, were replaced by Marcelo RYAN and Kota TAWARATSUMIDA in the 61st minute to invigorate the front line. In the 64th minute, after support from VAR, Nagoya's goal was recognized, narrowing the gap to one point, but Tokyo continued to show focused defense and quick counterattacks.
In the 25th minute of the second half, player Tawaramizuki made a solo run along the left sideline and, at the moment of cutting into the center, delivered a sharp through pass into the vertical space. Here, player Sato showcased a wonderful attack by breaking through. Although this shot was saved by the goalkeeper and unfortunately did not shake the goal net, it created a chance with a sharp attack that drew the opponent in slightly.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Masato MORISHIGE was brought onto the pitch in place of Henrique, positioned in the center of the three-back formation. In the 45th minute of the second half, Yuto NAGATOMO and Teruhito NAKAGAWA were substituted in for Shirai and Sato. Utilizing the substitution slots to effectively close out the match.
After a solid defensive display that tightened the center during the 6 minutes of second-half injury time, the third wave of joy arrives at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Tawara Sekita made a solo run down the right side on a counterattack and passed the ball in front of the goal. Anzai rushed in from behind to connect with the rebound after Nakagawa's shot was stopped by the goalkeeper, scoring an additional point. Tokyo struck the decisive third goal in the match.
The match ended with a score of 3-1. The fresh members who were in the starting lineup showcased their skills, and the sharp attacks that had been a significant weapon until last season shone brightly, leading to a splendid victory at home at Ajinomoto Stadium. While leaving some challenges in breaking down a defensive opponent, it proved that no matter who steps onto the pitch, they can play football without any drop in quality, and Tokyo succeeded in taking the lead with 2 wins and 1 loss.
MATCH DETAILS
<FC Tokyo>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Tetsuhira OKA/Kanta DOI/Enrique TREVISAN (39th minute: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kosuke SHIRAI (45th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Soma ANZAI/Kazuhiro TAKAU/Shohei 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
31st minute of the first half: Keita YAMASHITA / 14th minute of the second half: Shohei SATO / 45+6 minutes of the second half: Soma ANZAI
<Nagoya Grampus>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Daiki MIYA/Kennedyegbus MIKUNI/Teruki HARA (41st minute of the first half: Yuya ASANO)
MF Yuhei TOKUMOTO/Keiya SHIIHASHI (30th minute of the second half: Gen KATO)/Sho INAGAKI/Ryuji IZUMI (30th minute of the second half: Kensuke NAGAI)/Takuya UCHIDA
FW Yuya YAMAGISHI/Matheus CASTRO (39th minute of the second half: Tsukasa MORISHIMA)
SUBS
GK Alex PISANO Yukifuyu HORIO
DF Yuki NOGAMI/Yota SATO
MF Katsuhiro NAKAYAMA/Ryosuke YAMANAKA
MANAGER
Kenta HASEGAWA
GOAL
20 minutes into the second half: Keiya SHIIHASHI
[Interview with Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI]
Q: please review the game.
A,I am very satisfied that many fans and supporters came to the venue for the night game on a weekday, and we were able to deliver a victory right in front of you all. I believe that it was your support that helped us achieve this victory.
Regarding the content of the match, we are aware that it was not the kind of performance we desired. We need to increase the number of situations where we can take more initiative in the game, and I believe that is necessary to create more goals. Our defense may have been a bit sluggish. Since the one goal conceded was due to some lapses in our response, we need to improve further. However, I think it is highly commendable that we were able to convert three of the fleeting chances during the game. After all, goals give courage, so I want to firmly connect this victory to the next match.
Q: Please evaluate player Sato Keiun, who responded to expectations with 1 goal and 1 assist in his first starting lineup.
A: I think he is highly commendable, and I believe he is a player who can do even more. I hope he continues to prepare to showcase his true strengths without neglecting that.
Q: Maki KITAHARA was included on the bench at 15 years old. Please tell us the reason for including Kitahara on the bench and your evaluation of him.
A, OkiSince I saw Kitahara during the Okinawa camp, I believed he was a player who could compete on the J1 League stage. He possesses exceptional skills in making split-second decisions and ideas during one-on-one situations. Regarding this match, the opponent was very strong in pressing, but at 2-0, I was considering using him depending on the timing. However, after conceding one goal, the time spent on defense likely increased, and I thought there would be more opportunities for counterattacks if we could establish our offense.
I thought his passing ability, including passes that could break the opponent's defensive lines, would be effective, and since he can also dribble past opponents, I felt it was good to put him in the match. While monitoring the level of fatigue of the defensive midfielders, the two defensive midfielders starting this time were moving without showing signs of tiredness, so although it may have been disappointing for Kitahara this time, he was not brought on.
Q: After the first two matches of the season, you replaced all three forward players. Please tell us your evaluation.
A: In the early stages, I thought they could do a bit more both offensively and defensively. While they were mindful of defensive commitments, a series of simple errors led to periods where they had to be on the back foot, and perhaps they couldn’t fully demonstrate their attacking strength. However, at key moments, I believe they showcased their abilities through the goals scored. I have communicated that the decisive chances come in 2-on-1 situations against the goalkeeper. Ewerton GAUDINO made good decisions, which led to Keita YAMASHITA’s goal. For the second goal, Ewerton was also heavily involved. I don’t think they were entirely satisfied with their overall performance, but they contributed to the victory. I believe this match will serve as a stepping stone for the future.
[Player Interview]
<Sato Eiin Player>
Q: Please reflect on today's match, which was your first start.
A: There were moments when we controlled the ball and pressed forward, but in the middle of the match, the opponent pressed us for a long time, and we conceded a goal. However, we were able to score from a short counterattack towards the end, so I think that was good. As a team, we aimed to hold the ball a bit more and advance while breaking down the opponent. There were times when things didn’t go well, but I want to improve on the points we need to reflect on from today’s victory and approach the next match with that in mind.
Q: What instructions did Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI give regarding your starting lineup appearance?
A, as an attacking position, I was instructed to firmly avoid the opponent's man-marking and to play facing forward so that teammates could effectively use the space created. I have the impression that the style the team aims for and my personal strengths were well integrated.
Q, your first goal after joining Tokyo led the team to victory.
A: It was a lucky goal. I was able to play gritty throughout the match, and in my career, I have often experienced the ball coming to players who play like that. Whether you see it as a coincidence or a necessity is up to you, but I want to sincerely celebrate my first goal. (Choosing the heel shot) was a spontaneous decision, and it might be the first time in my career that I’ve taken such a stylish shot (laughs). I’m glad it went in beautifully.
Q. There were also scenes where we shared joy with the fans and supporters after the match.
A, it was the best atmosphere. I am more than happy to have scored my first goal after the transfer at our home, Ajinomoto Stadium. I myself am from Tokyo, and when I was young, I used to watch matches from the stands. It is very moving to have gone from being a supporter to being someone who is supported as a player. I am grateful to have been able to play in such a great atmosphere.
<Keita YAMASHITA>
Q: It was your first goal after the transfer in your fourth season with Tokyo.
A. Amidst various challenges, the coach, coaching staff, and trainers have supported me up to this point. Including the rehabilitation, I really wanted to give back, so I’m truly glad I was able to score today and that we won. I was a bit too happy and don’t remember much, but Keisuke SATO gave me a good ball, and I just had to tap it in. I believe Kosuke SHIRAI passed to Sato, and I positioned myself anticipating that if Sato’s shot was blocked or spilled, the ball would come to me. I also positioned myself well in case a pass came my way, so I think this was one of the strengths I showed.
Q: It was a match where you showed a willingness to put your body on the line for the team.
A: It was my first start in a long time, so I was fired up and determined to do everything I could at my best. First of all, I’m relieved that we won and I was able to score.
Q: How do you think this one point will connect to the next?
A: I truly believe this one goal is very significant for me. I think it was something I really needed at this point in my career, and I want to aggressively aim for goals in the future as well.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: How do you feel when you look back at the final goal scene?
A: From the moment the ball reached Marcelo RYAN, I felt something was going to happen, so I was able to calmly slot it into the goal. I focused first on keeping it on target. I’m glad we were able to score an additional goal at that point in the match.
Q: You were celebrating in front of the goal stand right after scoring. How did you feel?
A: I was hardly able to participate in the camp due to injury, and my condition didn’t improve easily, so I went through a tough time. I think that goal was one that fully expressed those feelings of frustration and hardship.
Q: You played as a left wing-back today. What were you mindful of?
A: We lost the previous match, and this time there were relatively fresh players up front, so I focused on being able to demonstrate new strength and fresh energy here.
I think this was a match that proved anyone can play effective soccer.
A: I truly believe that unless the entire team fights together, we will never be able to see the top positions. I think there will be many consecutive matches ahead, so I hope that both the players on the field and those not playing can all unite their strength to aim for victory.
