<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 super 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, who intercepted on the right side, 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 grounded 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, finishing with a technical one-touch with my left foot to send the ball to the opposite side.
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. In sync with the loud chant for player Nakagawa echoing from the goal stand, Go HATANO, Ryotaro ARAKI, and player Oka shared their joy while dancing together. They closed their eyes and placed their hands over their ears, fully absorbing 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 Tokyo, in Sec. 30 of the J1 League, a big victory of 4-1 was achieved against Nagoya Grampus at the Japan National Stadium. After securing a win for the first time in seven matches, the team went on to win away games against Urawa Reds and Yokohama F.Marinos with scores of 2-0 and 3-1, marking the 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 made his starting comeback, 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 Sec. 2 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 Tokyo's final push.
This week's matchday program is here
[Interview with Peter CKLAMOVSKI]
Q, we were able to return to Ajinomoto Stadium with three consecutive wins.
I am very happy, but it is necessary to thoroughly reflect on the performance so far. Analyzing game performance and continuing to build on the good aspects is important. With a strong mentality, we will prepare better for the match against Sagan Tosu.
Q: Please reflect on the match against Yokohama F.Marinos in the last round.
Everyone, including the substitutes, fought strongly and contributed to the victory. Although we allowed an early goal, the team demonstrated our principles and maximized our performance. Once again, the opening goal is extremely important for controlling the match, and there are areas we need to improve ahead of the match against Tosu. I want to ensure we take control of the game by firmly grasping the flow in various situations that may arise during the match.
Q: What kind of challenge is necessary for a four-game winning streak?
A, this season, we have not been able to extend our winning streak. Of course, there have been various events as the season has progressed. However, the most important thing right now is right in front of us. We feel 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, you 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.
I am very happy to have contributed to the consecutive wins, and above all, I feel that the team's performance is good on the pitch. If the team's performance is good, I believe that the individual players' conditions will naturally improve, 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?
I believe that we were able to break free in a good way from the second half of the match against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Sec. 29. While there were certainly tactical elements that contributed to our three consecutive wins, I think the most important factor was the mental aspect. Winning against Nagoya Grampus seems to have lifted the burden that each player was carrying.
Q: While there is a tendency to focus on scoring and consecutive wins, how do you feel about the defensive aspect?
Since the start of the season, we have been valuing high-position defense and quick transitions from defense to attack, but we were not able to express that well in the summer matches. In my most recent match as a starter, I was particularly conscious when entering the pitch, and I feel that high-position defense is leading to good attacks.
Q, in the last match against Sagan Tosu, you scored and contributed to the victory. Please tell us about your impression of the opponent.
I believe that both teams have changed since our last match, and I want to express our evolved form on the pitch. The away match was a very difficult game, but I think we can get closer to a fourth consecutive win by continuing to showcase the good aspects we demonstrated in our recent matches.
<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 victories we've had so far and focus on the upcoming match. Rather than thinking about a four-game winning streak, my desire to "win" the match in front of us, especially at home, is stronger. The team is currently in a good flow, and I want to fight without letting my guard down.
Q, one of the factors for the three consecutive wins is the improvement in defense.
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 to go for the ball myself. I also make sure to communicate constantly with the players at the back to seek better defense.
Q, the comeback goal against Yokohama F.Marinos was exactly in that form.
I feel that our defense is functioning well and that it is leading us in a positive direction. Of course, it might be best to have more possession of the ball, but not conceding goals is also important. Even if we do concede, the current team has a good momentum to recover. I want to maintain this positive atmosphere and win again next time.
I think that the good connection with Diego OLIVEIRA has also led to multiple goals.
I think we both played with the belief that things would eventually get better, and we have been able to build a good relationship. Our relationship and positioning have improved, and Diego has told me, 'You can play freely.' I am also conscious of taking my position while observing Diego's position and movements.
