Chinen's killer instinct keeps Antlers second (Kashima vs Nagoya analysis) | OneFootball

Kashima Edge Past Nagoya with Chinen Strike in J1 League Clash

Match Details

Kashima Antlers 1-0 Nagoya Grampus J1 League, Matchday 12

Kashima Antlers maintained their second-place position in the J1 League with a narrow 1-0 victory over struggling Nagoya Grampus. Kei Chinen's 54th-minute strike, assisted by Naomichi Ueda, proved the difference in a tightly contested affair at Kashima Soccer Stadium.

Match Analysis

In a game where both sides fielded several new signings, it was Kashima who emerged victorious despite creating relatively few clear-cut chances. The hosts registered 10 shots with 7 on target compared to Nagoya's 8 attempts with just 2 troubling the goalkeeper.

Possession was evenly split with Nagoya marginally edging it at 52%, though Kashima made their attacking moments count more effectively. The visitors struggled to convert their territorial advantage into meaningful opportunities, managing just a single corner kick throughout the match.

Aleksandar Čavrić received a yellow card for Kashima in the 41st minute in what was otherwise a disciplined performance from both sides, with the hosts committing just 7 fouls to Nagoya's 14.

Key Performers

Kashima Antlers: - Kei Chinen (7.9) - Match-winner who not only scored the decisive goal but won 9 of 12 duels and contributed defensively with 2 tackles and 3 interceptions. - Naomichi Ueda (7.5) - Provided the crucial assist and delivered a composed defensive display. - Ryotaro Araki (7.5) - The attacking midfielder created 3 key passes and won 6 duels, showing why Kashima brought him back from FC Tokyo.

Nagoya Grampus: - Daniel Schmidt (7.6) - Made 5 saves to keep the scoreline respectable and provided a commanding presence in goal. - Kennedy Mikuni (7.5) - Won 5 defensive duels and maintained a high pass completion rate. - Sho Inagaki (7.5) - Recorded 6 interceptions and helped transition between defence and attack.

Team Updates

Kashima Antlers

Kashima have been dealt a significant blow with the news that forward Kyosuke Tagawa has suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The striker, who has scored twice in 11 appearances this season, faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The team has shown resilience in integrating their winter signings, with Čavrić and Araki already established in the starting lineup. Leo Ceara, who joined from Cerezo Osaka, has also made an impact, though his emotional farewell to Cerezo supporters after their recent match highlighted his respect for his former club.

Kashima's disciplinary situation bears monitoring, with Ryuji Izumi, Ryuta Koike and Leo Ceara all on two yellow cards, though none are yet facing suspension.

Nagoya Grampus

Nagoya's struggles continue as they sit 17th in the table with just three wins from their opening fixtures. Their recent 2-1 victory over Hiroshima offered some respite, with Mateus Castro scoring twice in that match.

Manager Kenta Hasegawa commented after that win: "The team came together and fought through difficult circumstances to get the result."

Midfielder Masaya Ono has returned from an ACL injury suffered in May last year, though he's still building back to full fitness. His return provides a boost to a squad that has been plagued by injuries throughout the early season.

Disciplinary issues could impact team selection soon, with Sho Inagaki on three yellow cards and facing suspension for their next match if cautioned again.

League Context

Kashima's victory keeps them in second place behind leaders Kyoto Sanga, while Nagoya remain in the relegation battle at 17th. Elsewhere in matchday 12, Kyoto defeated Yokohama FC 2-1, Urawa Reds continued their impressive form with a 1-0 win over Hiroshima, and FC Tokyo comfortably beat Gamba Osaka 3-0.

Both teams have undergone significant squad overhauls during the winter transfer window, with Kashima appearing to have integrated their new signings more effectively thus far. Nagoya's extensive recruitment drive has yet to translate into consistent results, though there are signs of improvement following their recent victory.