Ichikawa's wall: Four crucial saves secure point (Albirex Niigata vs Yokohama FC analysis) | OneFootball

Albirex Niigata and Yokohama FC Share Spoils in Tactical Stalemate

Defensive Resilience Prevails as Both Sides Settle for Goalless Draw

Albirex Niigata and Yokohama FC played out a goalless draw at the Denka Big Swan Stadium in a match where defensive solidity trumped attacking flair.

The result leaves both sides still searching for consecutive victories this season, with Albirex Niigata continuing to struggle at the foot of the J1 League table with just one win from nine matches.

Possession Without Penetration

Daisuke Kimori's Albirex dominated possession with 64% of the ball and completed an impressive 608 passes at 87% accuracy. Despite creating several opportunities, including a Motoki Hasegawa effort that struck the crossbar in the 23rd minute, the hosts couldn't find a breakthrough.

"We controlled the game well but lacked that final touch in the attacking third," Kimori said post-match. "It's our second consecutive clean sheet which shows improvement, but we need to be more clinical."

Albirex thought they had snatched victory late on when Yamato Wakatsuki found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball in the build-up.

Yokohama's Defensive Masterclass

Yokohama FC, under manager S. Yomoda, executed their defensive gameplan effectively. Despite having just 36% possession, their back three of Makito Ito, Boniface Nduka, and Akito Fukumori provided a solid foundation.

Goalkeeper Akinori Ichikawa was the standout performer, making four crucial saves to earn a 7.9 rating and secure his clean sheet. Fukumori was equally impressive, winning seven of ten duels and completing 50 passes from his defensive position.

Individual Performances

Hayato Inamura was Albirex's star performer with an 8.3 rating, completing 103 passes at 91% accuracy while winning seven duels and making key defensive interventions.

Kaito Taniguchi (7.9) provided attacking threat with two shots on target and two key passes during his 64 minutes, while Yuji Hoshi (7.5) contributed both defensively and in build-up play with four interceptions and three key passes.

For the visitors, beyond Ichikawa's heroics, Makito Ito impressed by winning eight of eleven duels and making five tackles in a combative display.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will be back in action on April 19th, with Albirex hosting Kyoto Sanga as they search for their first home win of the season, while Yokohama FC welcome Gamba Osaka to the NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Football Stadium.

The result continues Albirex's struggles in front of goal this season, but their improved defensive organisation offers some hope. Meanwhile, Yokohama FC's resilient performance away from home provides a platform to build upon as they look to climb from their mid-table position.