Omiya Lead the Way with Attacking Football; Makino’s Fujieda Make Strong Start [Monthly Report (August): MEIJI YASUDA J2]

The new MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE season got under way in August, with Matchweeks 1 to 4 played during the month.
 
Omiya finished August top of the table. They opened with a 1-0 victory over Niigata before edging Imabari 3-2 with a late winner, then cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sapporo in Matchweek 3. Their top-of-the-table clash with Shonan in Matchweek 4 ended in a draw, but three wins and one draw have given them 10 points and sole possession of first place. Their attack has clicked with 10 goals in four matches, while new signing Carlinhos Junior has led the way with four goals.
 
Yamagata have also made an impressive start with three wins, underpinned by a defence that has conceded just once in four matches. Fujieda, meanwhile, have made a strong impression. Despite losing to Niigata in Matchweek 3, they have also won three of their opening four matches. Their aggressive approach in both attack and defence has caught the eye, as have their inventive set-pieces. Under Tomoaki Makino, who took charge this year, Fujieda could emerge as one of the surprise packages of the season.
 
The three sides aiming to return to J1 have also made solid starts. Niigata lost their opening match to Omiya but have since won three in a row. All three victories have come by a single-goal margin, showing their ability to grind out results.
 
Shonan remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws, built on a solid defensive record that includes three consecutive clean sheets. Yokohama FC also made a bright start with two straight wins. Although they were unable to win either of their next two matches, there have been glimpses of the attacking style favoured by manager Daisuke Sudo, and they have every chance of building further momentum from September onwards.
 
Among the promoted sides, fortunes have been mixed. Tochigi City have beaten Hachinohe and Tosu and sit 10th, with new signings such as Tokmac Nguen helping to give the team momentum.
 
Hachinohe suffered a heavy defeat to Tochigi City but have recorded victories over Toyama and Akita to sit 11th. Miyazaki, meanwhile, remain winless after four matches and are struggling in 19th. After an impressive campaign in the 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE, they have found goals harder to come by in the new season. Their ability to control possession has been encouraging, but they will need greater cutting edge in the final third.
 
Imabari have endured the toughest start, losing all four matches to sit bottom of the table. Having conceded 12 goals, tightening up their defensive organisation will be key to turning their form around.

MEIJI YASUDA J2 LEAGUE Results (August)