The first home game after the break is against Kyoto Sanga F.C. We lost 0-2 to Kyoto in the first half of the season, both in terms of the game and the content, and we couldn't show our strengths at all. On the other hand, we won 3-1 away in the final match of the Levain Cup group stage, and we want to replicate that and achieve a consecutive league victory.
The starting lineup remained the same as the previous match against Cerezo Osaka, and player Taishi Brandon NOZAWA made his first appearance in a J1 League match at Ajinomoto Stadium.
1st HALF - Watanabe's opening goal & Nozawa's big save
The game is progressing at Tokyo's pace. In the 7th minute of the first half, Diego OLIVEIRA player passed a clear ball from Masato MORISHIGE player to Keigo HIGASHI player with one touch. Diego player received the return and carried the ball, then returned it with a one-two pass to Kusei MATSUKI player near the penalty area. He brought the ball into the left position inside the penalty area and swung his left foot, but couldn't hit the target.
In the 14th minute of the first half, Diego received a throw-in and made a through pass, and Matsuki broke free and headed towards the goal, but was caught by the opposing goalkeeper who came out.
As the first half approaches the middle stage, Kyoto gains more possession of the ball, resulting in a slightly open game.
Tokyo's Kei Koizumi received a vertical pass from Morishige in the 36th minute of the first half, sending Kosuke Shirai on the right side. Shirai crossed the ball with his right foot, slightly negative, and although it was touched by the opponent's defender, Ryoma Watanabe reacted to the loose ball and calmly dropped it backwards. Ryoma Watanabe was waiting there and slotted it in with his right foot, giving Tokyo the lead.
After taking the initiative, Tokyo's momentum did not stop, and in the 38th minute of the first half, Matsuki received a throw-in and expanded to the opposite side. Yuto Nagatomo passed directly to Kota Tawaratsumida. Tawaratsumida, who cut in the center with a dribble, swung his right foot, but the opposing goalkeeper made a sharp reaction and was unable to break the goal.
Just before the end of the first half, there was a momentary gap and Yamasaki took advantage of it, breaking through into the penalty area. It was a decisive 1-on-1 situation, but Taishi Nozawa calmly closed the distance and blocked the shot, successfully overcoming a big threat just before the end of the first half with a big play.
2nd HALF - Victory is sealed by a powerful volley shot from Higashi player
As the second half begins, Kyoto also comes forward with momentum, but Tokyo is conscious of switching from attack to defense and quickly solidifies the goal area, not giving any opportunity for a counterattack.
On the other hand, Tokyo launches a counterattack by taking advantage of Kyoto's forward position. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, a spectacular goal is scored.
Henrique, who was waiting outside the penalty area, avoids the crowded goal area in the flow of the set play and puts a soft ball into the space on the right side of the penalty area. Gabriel HENRIQUE heads the ball towards the goal, and Tokyo player, who was marking near side, spectacularly swings his right foot from a chest trap and smashes it into the bottom left corner of the goal on the diagonal line, expanding the lead to two points.
After widening the lead, there were times when Kyoto pushed us back, but we controlled the game with fresh firepower, making player substitutions. In the 38th minute of the second half, Jája Silva, who made his home debut, unleashed a powerful shot just outside the penalty area, but he couldn't break the goal in front of the desperate saving by the opponent's goalkeeper.
After that, without giving Kyoto any decisive opportunities, including the additional 5 minutes of injury time, they calmly dealt with the attacking style that relied on vertical speed and height, which came out somewhat powerfully. They sealed the game with a 2-0 victory, achieving consecutive wins in the league.
MATCH DETAILS
＜FC Tokyo＞
STARTING XI
GK Taishi Brandon NOZAWA
DF Kosuke SHIRAI/Masato MORISHIGE/Henrique TREVISAN/Yuto NAGATOMO
MF Kuryu MATSUKI (30th minute of the second half: Koki TSUKAGAWA)/Kei KOIZUMI/Keigo HIGASHI (30th minute of the second half: Jája Silva)
FW Ryoma WATANABE (22nd minute of the second half: Teruhito NAKAGAWA)/Diego OLIVEIRA (37th minute of the second half: Yasuki KIMOTO)/Kota TAWARATSUMIDA (22nd minute of the second half: Adailton)
SUBS
GK Jakub SLOWIK
DF Shuhei TOKUMOTO
GOAL
First half 36th minute: Ryoma WATANABE / Second half 13th minute: Keigo HIGASHI
Kyoto Sanga F.C.
STARTING XI
GK Kuson Yun
DF Masato Asada/Risei Inoue (34th minute of the second half: Hisashi Appiah Tawiah)/Kokonosuke Fukuda
MF Sota Kawazaki/Daiki Kaneko/Teppei Yanaida/Fuyuki Yamada (17th minute of the second half: Daichi Hara)/Hibiki Sato (24th minute of the second half: Yuto Mikado)
FW Ryo Go Yamasaki (24th minute of the second half: Patrick)/Yuta Toyokawa (17th minute of the second half: Kosuke Kinoshita)
SUBS
GK Gakuji OTA
MF Temma MATSUDA
GOAL
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[Peter Cklamovski Coach Press Conference Comments]
Q: please review the game.
I think we were able to put on a good performance. We were able to make plays that deserve a win. There were many parts where we did well, and I think we are growing as a team in a good direction. I am proud that the players fought with their own beliefs and gave their all. I hope we can extend the good times as long as possible and eventually be able to sustain it for 90 minutes. Today, we were able to put on a really good overall performance. The players showed us their energy, dedication, and passion, which also gave me, as a coach, a good inspiration. We were able to make plays that deserve a win, but I think there are still areas where we can grow and improve. So, as a team, I want us to take further steps to be able to put on an even better performance.
Q, was it unexpected that the game turned out to be a relaxed match rather than the hard work that the opponent had anticipated?
A, we have prepared for everything and have been practicing to be able to respond to whatever the opponent brings. In the midst of that, our goal is to be able to play our own football well and to control the game while giving our maximum performance. Today, the players' performance was really good and deserving of a win. They fought hard until the end. I think it would have been great if we could have shown a few more goals for the fans and supporters. We are truly grateful to the fans and supporters. They have created a wonderful atmosphere and have been firmly supporting the players. And the players are able to go home with smiles thanks to them, which makes me very happy.
Q, were the players able to carry the ball with dribbling without fear of making mistakes, and was that also one of the good points?
A, I definitely think so. I think we were able to play good football within that and we were able to effectively use the spaces we wanted to use, and there were also parts where we were able to effectively take advantage of Kyoto's weaknesses and become a threat. In scenes where these good aspects were shown, the fans and supporters also stood up and there were scenes that excited them. I think it was good that the players were able to give their all until the end.
Q, Jája Silva's speed and the return of injured players have increased options.
A, no matter what happens, no matter what the situation is, we are creating a team that can overcome everything together. I think we have shown a good performance, but I still think there are areas where we can improve in every aspect. I think it's good if we can grow while building up step by step. Right now, I think the players are fighting while clearly understanding how to fight. Following our own rules is the foundation for us to fight. It is important for individuals to shine within those rules. Today was a good example of that, but I still think there is a lot more to do.
[Player Interview]
＜Player Keigo HIGASHI＞
Q, I assisted Ryoma WATANABE's goal with a split-second decision.
I am always conscious of probabilities while playing. When considering the probability of scoring a goal in that scene, I judged that passing to Watanabe would lead to a goal. I think I was able to calmly choose a play with a high probability.
Q, East player's goal after a long time greatly pulled victory closer.
I felt the atmosphere that there would be a return when the ball was passed to Henrique TREVISAN. I was able to hit the ball well with my foot after a calm trap and exchanging with the opponent. I have been practicing shooting with Tsuyoshi KODAMA in daily training. I have also had more opportunities to play in the attacking midfield position, and the parts that I have been practicing have led to calmly shooting. I want to continue this.
Q, how did you contribute to the attack as a playmaker and analyze the opponent's defense?
I focused on three things: moving well to positions that are difficult for the opponent to catch, acting as a linkman in the attack, and entering the box. In defense, I played while coordinating with Diego OLIVEIRA to switch to defense from the front line and not give the opponent freedom. I was able to score a goal, but throughout the game, it felt like we played in our own half for a little too long. I want to consciously work on increasing the players' positive play from here.
＜Ryoma WATANABE player＞
Q: please review the game.
A, there were also bad timing flows throughout the game, but I think that being able to concentrate and play without conceding goals there led to today's victory as a result.
Q, it has been 4 months since your last goal. Please reflect on the goal-scoring scene.
It was my first goal in 4 months, so I was genuinely happy. Keigo HIGASHI provided a good pass in the goal-scoring scene, so all I had to do was put it into the net. I was able to capture the target well and connect it to a goal, which was great.
Q, I think the role in the attack has also been changing in recent matches.
A, playing the role given by Coach CKLAMOVSKI is a prerequisite, but I want to increase what I can do and be more involved in scoring. I will continue to train and grow every day.
Q, please share your enthusiasm for the next match.
A, next we will face Yokohama F.Marinos, a strong team. We want to play the game without conceding a goal, just like today, and if we have a chance, we want to score and win. It's an away game, but we want to prepare well for a week and win.
＜Kosuke SHIRAI player＞
Q: Please give us a review of today's match, which was a match against your former team.
It was a 90-minute mix of difficulty and enjoyment. I think we had many opportunities to send crosses into the goal area and were able to create good attacking plays. I am most happy about the victory, and I think we were able to execute plays as we had imagined.
Q, how did you analyze Kyoto Sanga F.C., which was a member until the middle of this season, as an opposing team?
I thought he would come after the ball when he had it. I think I was able to express the play of peeling off with a one-two pass after receiving the ball and taking a deep position on the right side as intended.
Q, it was the first home game in the third official match. What was your impression when you stepped onto the pitch?
Among the many fans and supporters who gathered at Ajinomoto Stadium, our home, I am happy to have been able to play and end with a victory. I want to make the first home game a great start. The support of the fans and supporters was very powerful and helped us.
Q: How do you want to contribute from here by utilizing Shiroi's own characteristics?
A, I want to show plays that utilize my sprinting ability, which I consider to be my greatest weapon, and lead to many crosses and goals from the right side, like in today's match.
