A crucial match to aim for 3 points while playing away and grab the opportunity to rise up in the future.

　League Sec. 14, played away against Kyoto Sanga F.C. In the previous match, we increased our dominance with a passing game and pushed Shonan back. Although it ended in a draw, amidst a series of injured players, the team is also gaining momentum towards a new style of soccer. In the future, the focus will be on how we can convert that momentum into 3 points while improving our accuracy.

　Kyoto, who will face them, is aiming for promotion to J1 with the soccer that connects passes, which can be called "Oki style," under the guidance of Takeshi OKI from this season. Currently, they are in 18th place with 1 win, 2 draws, and 4 losses. They haven't been able to produce results yet, but that doesn't change the fact that they are rivals competing for promotion. The forward FW Diego, Nakamura Atsutaka, and Dutra also have individual skills, and FW Kubo, who plays at the forefront, has already scored 2 goals despite being registered as a Type 2 player, and their attacks utilizing each player's strengths are sharp.

　Tokyo, Suzuki is replaced by Otake as a starter due to injury. Also, "Variations from the side are necessary (Manager Ookuma)" and deploy Tokunaga as a right full-back and Takahashi as a midfield anchor, approaching a formation close to 4-1-4-1. There were more coordinated scenes such as Roberto CESAR's breakthrough and Hayu's movement behind in the previous match, and Tanabe's proactive moves. In the future, we want to increase accuracy and repeatedly create opportunities.

　Last season's final match against Kyoto, which left a bitter taste, and the match held at Nishikyogoku Stadium. Coach Okuma said, "We must not forget that frustration, but it is important not to be too focused on Kyoto and Nishikyogoku, but to fight through the league matches." The battle to win three points continues while aiming to build up the daily content. The match started at 16:04 with Kyoto's kickoff in the rain.

Tokyo Aim To Rediscover Form In Kyoto

FC Tokyo took on Kyoto Sanga FC in the 14th game of the season. In response to a lengthening injury list, Tokyo had begun to fashion a passing game in the previous outing against Shonan Bellmare, and although that match had ended in a draw, encouraging signs were clearly visible. To what extent that performance could be improved upon to earn a win and three points was the key question going into today's game.
Following relegation from J1 last year, opponents Kyoto Sanga were attempting a swift return under manager Takeshi Oki with a passing style of football. The results had failed to materialize, leaving the side in 18th place at kick-off with a W1 D2 L4 record, but the feeling remained that Kyoto were a promotion rival of Tokyo. The side boasted a sharp, skillful attack of Diego, Nakamura, and Dutra behind lone striker Kubo, the latter having netted twice despite being registered with the second team.
An injury to Suzuki meant Otake started for Tokyo. Citing a need for more variation on the wings, manager Okuma lined his team up in something close to a 4-1-4-1 formation with Tokunaga at right back and Takahashi protecting the defense. Tokyo were hoping for further improvements of the positive displays from the Shonan game: Cesar's penetrative runs, Hanyu's movement behind the opposition defense, and Tanabe's positive attacking play, together with an increase in the overall accuracy and more decisive finishing.
Nishikyogoku Stadium was the site of a painful defeat in the final game of 2010, but Kiyoshi Okuma urged restraint on his players, "We can never forget the regret we feel, but playing here and now we can't let our feelings overcome us. It's important to produce a performance good enough to win the game."
The home side kicked off shortly after 4pm on a wet afternoon.

Kajiyama, Tanabe, and Otake score goals, leading by 2 points at halftime.

　From the first half, both teams connected passes and attacked each other. In the midst of a back-and-forth battle, there were moments when Kyoto suffered from a speedy counterattack. However, in the 14th minute, Kajiyama attracted the opponent's attention on the left side and passed to Tanabe, who had moved up on the outside. Tanabe took a step forward and sent a minus pass to the front of the goal. Kajiyama calmly finished it and scored a goal! They took advantage of the combination play between Kajiyama and Tanabe to take the lead.

　However, in the 20th minute, Kyoto MF Nakayama took a shot from the left area. Gonda made a save, but the rebound was picked up by MF Naito and resulted in a goal... The game returned to square one. But here, without panicking, they adjusted the defensive balance and connected to the attack. In the 27th minute, Kajiyama picked up the rebound, turned around the opponent near the area, and made a killer pass to Roberto CESAR who was free in the center. It was a decisive moment, but Cesar's shot grazed the opponent's defender and went just wide of the goal...

　And so, after 30 minutes, Kajiyama aimed for the goal from Nakamura's cross on the left and earned a corner kick. Daotake took the corner kick from the right and Tanabe's header from behind fiercely attacked the goalkeeper. He pushed away the outstretched hand and pierced the net, scoring Tanabe's first goal in the league and adding another point. In the following 37 minutes, Daotake quickly reacted to the loose ball from Morishige's early cross. He slotted it into the net, marking the third goal.

　There were also moments where Kyoto invited danger from sharp counters, but thanks to Gonda's excellent save, they did not concede any additional points and reached halftime.

Kajiyama, Tanabe Otake On Target In First Half

Both sides began the game passing the ball around to build attacks. The match ebbed and flowed, with Kyoto looking sharp on the counter attack, until the 14th minute when Kajiyama drew the home defense towards him on the left of the penalty area, before slipping the ball out to Tanabe, overlapping on the wing. Tanabe took a touch then pulled the ball back to Kajiyama who swept it past Mizutani in the Kyoto goal to give Tokyo an early lead.
That lead was short-lived. In the 20th minute Kyoto midfielder Nakayama shot from the left of the area and although Gonda made a good save midfielder Naito pounced on the loose ball to restore parity. Tokyo remained calm, adjusted the defensive balance and continued to pass the ball forward. In the 27th minute Kajiyama picked up a loose ball just outside the Kyoto area and turned a defender inside out before sliding a perfectly-weighted ball through to Cesar. Cesar shot but his effort struck a defender and bounced agonizingly the wrong side of the post.
Tokyo maintained the pressure and won a corner in the 30th minute as Kajiyama attacked Nakamura's cross from the left. Otake stroked the ball beyond the ruck of players in the goalmouth and Tanabe, unmarked, powered a header past Mizutani for his first J.League goal. Tokyo extended their lead further in the 37th minute as Otake reacted fastest to pounce on a loose ball following an early cross from Morishige, prodding home from close range. Kyoto applied some pressure as half time approached, drawing fine saves from Gonda but Tokyo retained their two-goal cushion as the first period finished 3-1.

Tanabe scored an additional point, leading to a big victory with 4 points

　In the second half, Kyoto started passing the ball around, but we responded by preventing them from entering dangerous positions. In the 50th minute, Otake brought the ball inside from the left side and took a shot from a distance, but it went wide to the right. In the 58th minute, Tanabe exchanged passes with Otake and passed it to Roberto CESAR on the left front line. Tanabe perfectly connected with the cross, scoring his second goal of the day and extending the lead.

　After that, Kyoto took control of the ball for a long time, but they were able to steal the ball and launch a counterattack with coordinated defense. In the 66th minute, Roberto CESAR tried to break through the front line and dribbled forward, entered the penalty area, and took a shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper. In the 73rd minute, Otake, who had moved to the center, passed to Roberto CESAR, who had broken through the right area. Despite being closed down by the opponent's defender, he persistently dropped the ball and Kajiyama followed up with a direct shot from just outside the penalty area, but it went wide of the goal...

　Gradually, both teams began to show signs of fatigue, but Tokyo brought in Tanizawa and Uezato. By connecting passes, they started to create a rhythm and almost dominated the game. Although they couldn't score a fifth goal, they brought in Jade NORTH for his debut in stoppage time. They controlled the game at their own pace and closed it out without any danger. Tanabe and Otake delivered solid results in response to expectations, scoring four goals in one go. They achieved a victory at Nishikyogoku for the first time since October 2002.

　【Player Comment】《Tanabe》"Compared to the previous match, I made an effort to move forward both individually and as a team. Cesar also helped by pulling the defenders and not only passing the ball but also showing a strong intention to move forward. Regarding the goal from the corner kick, my role was to aim for the loose ball, but no one marked me. At that moment, I made eye contact with Yohei-kun, and the ball came exactly where I wanted it, in a very good position. I'm not good at heading, but I'm glad I was able to score. (Regarding my second goal) I was able to get ahead of the opponent. I looked to the right and initially thought about passing there, but I changed my decision and passed to Cesar on the left. Cesar returned the ball directly, and I think I was able to trap it well."

　(I think the second goal was important for the team, right?) Certainly, when you pass the ball, mistakes are inevitable. That's why when you are leading, you can feel more relaxed. In the second half, we were tied to Kyoto, but we were playing with the mindset of keeping the ball moving. However, I felt that if we could create more time for ourselves, like in the final stages, we could have an easier game. I wanted to establish a good connection with Yosuke-kun from the time we were practicing together. I think I was able to go forward and Yosuke was able to receive the ball in between and face forward. We won with four goals today, but the important part starts from here. I want to strive to think about playing at a higher quality and aim for consecutive victories."

　"Otake" "(Was it your first start of the season?) I stood on the pitch with the determination to definitely produce results. However, I also had the confidence that I could do this much. I think I can do more and I don't think I should be satisfied with just this. The same goes for the team. As for the goal, I think it was a lucky goal that happened to come to me."

　CK's goal, I saw that Kusumin was free just before kicking. It's difficult to score a set piece goal unless someone is free. On the other hand, if that's the case, it means we can score. We had a lot of CKs from the first half, so I wanted to score somehow. It would be easier if we could score from a set piece. The reflection is that we lost the ball a lot when we had the opponent on our back. Also, we want to take more initiative ourselves. We have to connect not only today's game but also the next one."

　[Summary of Coach Ookuma's Press Conference] "In terms of not being able to score easily, it was good that we were able to score a lot. However, there were many situations where we couldn't steal the ball well, including the scene where we were tied. I think there were holes in our ball stealing. We have many players who can hold the ball on the ball, so when the opponent's stamina drops, we can pass the ball. Even if the opponent is not tired until the second half, we can pass the ball from the first half and also steal the ball. I felt that the positioning and power of the midfield, which is the place to steal the ball, has faded a bit due to the change in the lineup. However, by continuing to do this, I think we need to reconsider the part of stealing the ball while maintaining the variation of our attack."

　(Do you feel the difficulty of fighting in J2?) Today, fortunately, we were able to score a second goal. The awareness of transitioning from defense to attack is higher in J2 than in J1. I think getting an additional goal is key. In the midst of that, we create numerical advantages like today and attack by changing sides. Unless we increase the variation of going through the center, there is a high awareness of taking care of, respecting, and defending against FC Tokyo. Even if we are pulled back, we aim for the space behind or continue to show variations of attacking through the center and sides like today. I don't think it will be that easy. I want to continue preparing to do that."

　[Kyoto Oki Coach's Press Conference Summary] "The first half started well and I thought we could recover after conceding the first goal. However, there were some defensive mistakes and we conceded another goal from a set piece, making it 1-3 at halftime. When I saw the players in the locker room, they seemed a bit subdued. It's difficult to concede three goals and score four, but we managed to score one goal, so the deficit is two. I felt that if we had 45 minutes, we could make a comeback with a two-goal difference, but the players seemed a bit low on energy. I tried to motivate them, but we quickly conceded a fourth goal and the game turned into a counter-attacking situation. Tokyo also struggled to move the ball forward and had periods where they controlled possession well, making it difficult for us to attack. It's a really tough situation, but I want to focus on preparing for the next game without looking down."

Tanabe Bags A Brace As Tokyo Run Out Comfortable Winners 

Although the hosts began the second half in the ascendancy Tokyo prevented them from attaining any seriously threatening positions. In the 50th minute Otake cut inside from the left and let fly from distance. In the 58th minute Otake and Tanabe exchanged passes in midfield before the latter rounded an opponent and moved the ball out to Cesar on the left. Cesar played the ball back to Tanabe who finished neatly to net his second of the game and extend the score to 4-1.
Thereafter Kyoto enjoyed long periods of possession while Tokyo were content to defend and pick their moments to counter attack. In the 66th minute Cesar evaded the Kyoto defence and raced into the penalty area, a decent save from Mizutani denying Tokyo another goal. In the 73rd minute Otake brought the ball forward before picking out Cesar's dart through the home defence on the right; Cesar showed admirable strength and technique to hold off a defender and slip the ball back to Kajiyama who shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.
As both teams began to tire, Tokyo responded by introducing Yazawa and Uesato. The moves improved the rhythm and the visitors began to dominate the game as it entered the final stages. Jade North made his first appearance for Tokyo in added time. A fifth goal failed to materialise but Tokyo comfortably held onto the lead, running down the clock to earn an impressive victory, their first at Nishikyogoku since 2002.


Players' comments
Tanabe
"I was able to get forward more than in the last game and as a team we attacked more. Cesar tried to get behind their defence and drag them about while we showed greater desire to get into more advanced positions. At the corner that led to the first goal I took up a position hoping to pick up the ball if it ran loose. Nobody came to mark me though so I managed to make eye contact with Yohei ( Otake ) and he delivered a brilliant ball to the perfect place. Heading's not my strong point so I'm really pleased that it went in.
For the second goal I was able to reach the ball before the defender. I had the ball at my feet and was going to play it to the right but changed my mind and played it to Cesar on the left; he knocked it back first time and I got a good trap on the ball.
Was that second goal vital for the team? It's definitely true that mistakes happen when teams are playing the ball around so having the lead gives you some breathing space. Kyoto had a lot of possession in the second half, moving the ball around, so when we began to dominate again towards the end it made the game easier for us. It's felt good working with Yohei in training to develop an understanding between us and then today we worked it well so that when I went forward he got into space and received the ball facing the goal. We scored four today but what we do from here is important. I want to do my best to produce high quality football and win consecutive games".

Otake
"It was my first start of the year so I was absolutely determined to get a result when I got on the field. I also felt confident in my ability and I feel I can't be satisfied yet, that I can do much more. Everyone in the team is equal. For the goal, the ball just landed at my feet so it was lucky, I think. At the corner, I saw Sotan was free just as I was about to hit the ball. If players can't get free at set plays then it's difficult to score so shaking off the markers means you have a chance. We had a lot of corners in the first half so I really wanted us to take advantage of them. Scoring from set plays really makes the game much easier for the team. The only negative was the way we gave the ball away too much when our opponents were really pushing to get back into the game. We also need to seize the initiative more. We now have to carry over today's performance into the next match".

FC Tokyo manager Kiyoshi Okuma
"We hadn't scored many this year so it's great to get four today. However, I felt that we didn't win the ball in promising positions, if you consider winning the ball to be the starting point of an attack. We have a lot of players comfortable in possession so if our opponents' work rate drops then we can pass it around. Even if they hadn't tired in the second half I still felt we lacked some positioning and power in midfield in the first period, due to the change in the make-up of the team. We should have looked again at the areas where we won the ball.
Did I feel the difficulty of playing in J2? We were fortunate today in that we scored our second goal. The emphasis on changing from defense to attack is much higher in J2 and that means scoring a second goal is the key. Like we did today, we have to gain a numerical superiority, switch the play and add variety to our attack through the middle, otherwise teams will defend deeply and try to hit us on the counter attack. That's the way forward and we'll be preparing to continue to do that from now on".

Kyoto Sanga FC manager Takeshi Oki
"We began both the first and second halves well, and scored from a good move to equalise quickly after falling behind. Then, a poor clearance and conceding from a set play meant we had to come back from 3-1 at half time. The players seemed a little down at half time when they came back into the changing room. Of course, if you're three down it's difficult to score four but if you get one then the difference is only two. We had two goals to catch up and 45 minutes to get them in but the players seemed a little lacking in energy, I felt. Soon we conceded again and the game developed into a counter attacking pattern. Tokyo played a little deeper and didn't really bring the ball forward so much. Later on they enjoyed far more possession and we struggled in attack. We find ourselves in a worrying position but we can't be downhearted and have to prepare as best we can for the next game".