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 selected, 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 played as 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 crowded 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/Henrique TREVIZAN (39th minute: Masato MORISHIGE)/Kosuke SHIRAI (45th minute: Yuto NAGATOMO)
MF Soma ANZAI/Hiroshi TAKAU/Ken'in 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
First Half 31 minutes: Takahiro YAMASHITA / Second Half 14 minutes: Kein SATO / Second Half 45+6 minutes: Souma ANZAI
<Nagoya Grampus>
STARTING Ⅺ
GK Yohei TAKEDA
DF Daiki MIYA / Kennedyegbus MIKUNI / Teruki HARA (First Half 41 minutes: Yuya ASANO)
MF Yuhei TOKUMOTO / Keiya SHIIHASHI (Second Half 30 minutes: Gen KATO) / Yoshinari INAGAKI / Ryuji IZUMI (Second Half 30 minutes: Kensuke NAGAI) / Takuya UCHIDA
FW Yuya YAMAGISHI / Mateus CASTRO (Second Half 39 minutes: Tsukasa MORISHIMA)
SUBS
GK Alex PISANO / Kouto 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.
We are aware that the content of the match was not what we desired. We need to increase the cases where we can develop the game with a bit more initiative, and I believe that is necessary to create more goals. Our defense may have been a bit heavy. It was a single goal conceded due to some lack of response, so I think we need to improve further. However, I believe it is very commendable that we were able to capitalize on three opportunities in the game. Goals give us courage, and I want to make sure to carry this victory into 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 joined the bench at the age of 15. Please tell us the reason for including Maki in 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 that his passing ability and the ability to break through the opponent's defense would be effective enough, and since he can also evade opponents, I felt it would be good to put him in the match. While monitoring the fatigue level of the defensive midfielders, the two starting midfielders this time were moving without showing signs of fatigue, so it may have been unfortunate for Kitahara, but he was not utilized this time.
Q: After the first two matches of the season, all three players in the front line were replaced. Please tell us about the evaluation.
In the beginning, I thought we could do a little more in both offense and defense. While being aware of our defensive commitments, we continued to make some simple errors, which forced us into a defensive position, and I feel we couldn't fully demonstrate our attacking power. However, at key moments, I believe we scored thanks to their abilities. I communicated that a decisive chance is a 2-on-1 situation with the goalkeeper. Mitsuru SATO made a good decision, which led to Keita YAMASHITA's goal. The second goal was well set up by Ewerton. I don't think they are completely satisfied with the content, but they contributed to the victory. I believe this match has set the stage for what comes next.
[Player Interview]
<Sato Eiin Player>
Q: Please reflect on today's match, which was your first start.
There were moments when we controlled the ball and pushed forward, but in the middle of the match, we spent a long time being pushed back by the opponent, which led to conceding a goal. However, we managed to score from a short counterattack towards the end, which I think was good. As a team, we need to hold the ball a bit more and have the awareness to 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?
As an attacking position, I was instructed to avoid the opponent's man-marking while ensuring that my teammates can effectively utilize the space created, allowing the team to play with a forward-looking approach. I feel that the style the team aims for and my personal characteristics have blended well together.
Q, your first goal after joining Tokyo led the team to victory.
It was a lucky goal. Throughout the match, I was able to play in a gritty manner, and I have experienced many times in my career that the ball tends to come to players like that. Whether to see it as coincidence or inevitability is up to me, but I want to genuinely celebrate my first goal. (Choosing the heel shot) was a split-second decision, and that kind of stylish shot might be the first time in my career (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 so happy to have scored my first goal after the transfer at my home, Ajinomoto Stadium. I am from Tokyo myself, and I used to watch matches from the stands when I was young. It is very moving to have become someone who is "supported" as a player, rather than being on the side cheering. 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 lot has happened, and I have been supported by the coach, coaching staff, and trainers up to this point. Including rehabilitation, I really wanted to give back, and I am truly glad I could score today and that we won. I might have been a bit too happy and don't remember much, but Kosuke SHIRAI gave a good ball to Sato, and I just had to tap it in. I think Kosuke SHIRAI passed it to Sato, and I was positioned well, anticipating that if Sato took a shot and it spilled, it would come to me. I was also positioned well to receive a pass, so I think that was one of my strengths that showed today.
Q: It was a match where you showed a willingness to put your body on the line for the team.
A, it was really a long-awaited start, and I was very motivated. I was determined to do my best, so 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?
I think this is really a very significant point for me. I believe it was truly necessary for me at this moment, and I want to continue to greedily aim for goals next time as well.
<Soma ANZAI>
Q: How do you feel when you look back at the final goal scene?
I thought something would happen the moment the ball reached Marcelo RYAN, so I was able to calmly slot it into the goal. I focused on keeping it on target first. I'm glad we were able to score an additional goal at that point in the game.
Q: You were celebrating in front of the goal stand right after scoring. How did you feel?
I was unable to participate in the camp much due to injury, and I struggled to improve my condition, going through a tough time. I believe that goal reflected all those feelings of frustration and hardship.
Q: You played as a left wing-back today. What were you mindful of?
A, we lost in the last match, and this time we had relatively fresh players in the front line, so I made an effort to showcase new strength and fresh energy here.
I think this was a match that proved anyone can play effective soccer.
A, I truly believe that we cannot see the top positions unless we fight with the strength of the entire team. I think we will continue to have consecutive matches, so I hope that all players, both those who are participating in the matches and those who are not, can work together towards victory.
