I was pretty worried about this match as Kawasaki have had the upper hand for the last few years and are, on their day, pretty formidable. I’d heard that they had a few injuries, but after the match found out they had an injury list over ten players including Juninho and Nakamura Kengo.

The weakened Kawasaki really didn’t seem up to a near full strength Marinos, with the Kano and Nakamura midfield working well. Kano cropped up everywhere in defence and showed last weeks goal wasn’t a fluke with a replica that came off the bar.

Nakamura’s opener was a lovely curling shot from outside the area, across the face of goal into the far corner, and was the highlight of another good performance from him.

Yamase continues to impress in an attacking role where he’s getting a chance to show off his fantastic ball control on mazy runs, and converting chances.

Kazuma was less visible but sent a lovely through ball in for Yamase’s first, and would probably have been on the score sheet had Yuzo, who’s got a taste for goal, not nicked a cross bound for Watanabe and skied it.

Hyodo seemed much improved to me at in all areas, popping up where needed with tackles and nice lay offs.

Perhaps a more impressive performance than last weeks, as Marinos looked a constant threat along with keeping the ball well.

Pretty solid display from your boys. Not sure our injury list quite stretches to ten (we were probably three or four players short of what I’d consider our best eleven), but happy to take any excuses after a performance like that.

Cor blimey! What a cracking game that was!

I have to echo Nick’s sentiments before the game as I was somewhat dreading this game due to how well Kawasaki have played in recent years not to mention our inability to beat them. But, fortunately my anxieties were put to rest within the first 20 minutes when we scored not once, but twice!

Shunsuke’s goal was breath taking really. That goal almost played through my mind in slow motion as I watched the ball float into the box and on into the top left corner. Brilliant.

Yamase was once again all over the pitch playing like his life depended on it, as was my personal favorite (for ribbing, anyway), Hyodo.

Coming away from a game like this it’s almost hard to keep your lead boots on and try not to get ideas above your station but, the sense of positivity around the stands after this game was clearly evident. I had one long-time fan approach me after the game and state with almost no doubts whatsoever that “We’ll probably beat Kashima 8-0 as well…” !!

Hmm.. not sure I agree with that but things are certainly looking a lot better for us this season.
Next up: Kobe!

Was just reading your report on the game Manyar (Manyar’s blog). All the goals were down the other end of the Stadium so I didn’t see Hyodo’s hand or if Yamase was offside. I recorded the match so I’ll go give it a look later.

As you say there weren’t ten “best 11″ injuries, but it does sound like there’s been a few over there. Ina was playing with an injury too right?