Inui inspires as S-Pulse silence Tokyo (FC Tokyo vs Shimizu S-Pulse analysis) | OneFootball

Shimizu S-Pulse Secure Vital Away Victory Against FC Tokyo

Match Report

Shimizu S-Pulse continued their impressive run in the J1 League with a clinical 2-0 away victory against FC Tokyo at Ajinomoto Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The visitors, who have been in fine form since their promotion back to the top flight, secured their third consecutive J1 League win thanks to goals from captain Koya Kitagawa and Takashi Inui.

Despite FC Tokyo enjoying the majority of possession (55%), it was Shimizu who made their chances count in a disciplined performance that highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both sides this season.

Key Moments

The deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time when Kitagawa converted from the penalty spot, giving the visitors a crucial advantage heading into the break.

FC Tokyo pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their efforts were thwarted by an organised Shimizu defence marshalled by goalkeeper Yuya Oki, who made four important saves to preserve his clean sheet.

The home side's frustration grew as the match progressed, and Shimizu capitalised in the 79th minute when Inui finished clinically from Yutaka Yoshida's assist to seal the points for the visitors.

Tactical Analysis

Shimizu manager Tadahiro Akiba set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that proved effective both defensively and on the counter-attack. The double pivot of Masaki Yumiba and Matheus Bueno provided a solid shield for the back four, while the creative talents of Inui and Capixaba caused problems for the Tokyo defence throughout.

FC Tokyo boss Rikizo Matsuhashi opted for a 3-4-2-1 system that allowed his side to dominate possession, but they lacked cutting edge in the final third. Despite creating more shooting opportunities (12 shots to Shimizu's 4), the home side couldn't find a way past Oki in the Shimizu goal.

Player Performances

Takashi Inui was the standout performer with a rating of 8.0, scoring once and completing three successful dribbles. The experienced midfielder also won seven of his 14 duels and drew four fouls, showcasing his importance to Shimizu's attacking play.

Goalkeeper Yuya Oki was equally impressive with a 7.9 rating, making four saves to secure a clean sheet and contributing effectively to his team's build-up play.

For FC Tokyo, it was a disappointing evening with few positives. Marcelo Ryan and Teruhito Nakagawa struggled to make an impact in attack, while the defence looked vulnerable when put under pressure.

Wider Context

The result moves Shimizu up to seventh place in the J1 League with 18 points from 13 matches, continuing their impressive return to the top flight after winning promotion from J2 last season.

FC Tokyo, meanwhile, remain in 13th position with just three wins from 13 matches. Their struggles in front of goal continue to be a concern, with injuries to key attacking players like Kosei Kobayashi hampering their progress.

The hosts have now won just once in their last five matches, while Shimizu have taken seven points from their last three games, highlighting the contrasting trajectories of the two sides.

What's Next

FC Tokyo will look to bounce back when they travel to face Albirex Niigata in their next fixture, while Shimizu S-Pulse return home to host Nagoya Grampus as they aim to extend their winning run.