J1 League Round 17: Is Tokyo FC Still in Decline like Last Season? Kashima Antlers Players' Shooting Boots on Point

The J1 League continued its action with Round 17 matches on the evening of May 31st. Tokyo FC, after a bright start to the season, has gradually regressed towards mediocrity. Is this their inevitable fate? Meanwhile, Kashima Antlers' players have been exceptionally accurate in their recent shooting, with both one-on-one finishes and long-range screamers, posing a tough challenge even for the exhausted sailors returning from the AFC Champions League.

In the previous round, Kashima Antlers faced a setback, losing 0-2 to Nagoya Grampus, which ended their two-game winning streak. Their match against Yokohama F. Marinos was postponed due to Marinos' participation in the AFC Champions League final, leaving Kashima now sitting in the last safe spot in the league standings. Before the match against Grampus, Kashima not only secured two consecutive victories but also did so convincingly. However, they were caught off guard early, conceding within six minutes, and then suffered further when right-back Wataru Harada received two yellow cards in quick succession, reducing them to ten men. With both a numerical and scoreline disadvantage, Kashima struggled in the second half, conceding another goal and ultimately tasting defeat. This season, despite winning only four matches so far, Kashima has managed to score at least three goals in each of those victories, highlighting their potent attack when firing on all cylinders.

Tokyo FC, on the other hand, has seen a steep decline after initially challenging for the top spot. In their last four matches, they have only managed to secure two points. The main reason for their drop in performance has been their diminished attacking prowess. They have scored just one goal per game in these recent outings, which, coupled with defensive vulnerabilities, has prevented them from clinching victories. Nevertheless, Tokyo FC still ranks second in goals scored in the J1 League this season, indicating their attacking capability, despite the recent downturn.

Tokyo FC has never been a consistently stable team, so their sudden dip in form may not surprise their fans. Just nine days ago, these two teams met in the League Cup, where Kashima held Tokyo FC to a draw at home but lost in the penalty shootout. Now, Kashima has a chance to seek revenge at home, where they have secured five consecutive victories against Tokyo FC in J1 League matches. Kashima will aim to perform at 70% of their potential, while Tokyo FC may struggle to reach even 50%.

In another fixture, Kashima Antlers will face Yokohama F. Marinos. Despite Yokohama's recent struggles, their victory over Kashiwa Reysol showed they still have firepower upfront, especially with Lopez scoring a hat-trick. Kashima, on the other hand, continues to perform consistently, with players like Shuto Yamamoto proving instrumental in their recent victories. However, the AFC Champions League seems to have taken its toll on Yokohama's physical and mental state, which could affect their performance against Kashima.

Overall, as the J1 League progresses, Kashima Antlers' sharpshooters and Tokyo FC's struggle to maintain consistency will be crucial themes to watch. Can Kashima capitalize on their home advantage and Yokohama's fatigue to secure a vital victory? Will Tokyo FC manage to rediscover their early-season form and bounce back from their recent setbacks? These questions will shape the narrative of the season as the race for the J1 League title intensifies.