Sure Frontale’s players are better than Vissel’s, but they weren’t really much better in this game … but the referee made sure Vissel went down … honest, mate, really! They wuz robbed! (But seriously, a PK given for a dive, a red card not given for a red card offence and the whole game was changed by the referee).

Shimizu lucky to hold on to their unbeaten record as Gamba’s youngsters show that the future is bright!

An exciting finish and, as Peter says in his report, a lesson in taking the chances when they occur for Cerezo!

5 goals – Shoki HIRAI Gamba Osaka, Shinji KAGAWA Cerezo Osaka4 goals – RYANG Yong Gi Vegalta Sendai, CHONG Tese Kawasaki Frontale, Shinji OKAZAKI Shimizu S-Pulse, Ryoichi MAEDA Jubilo IwataHirai on top, but now injured Kagawa there with him, and looking better every game!

It’s been a while since I said that! here’s the table for J1 after 7 games…

Gamba qualify AND take over the top spot with another win.

Injuries mount, but just the one point from two games needed? Surely they can’t fail!!

Gamba get their first win, but lose multiple players to injury!

Shimizu sitting pretty atop J1. Gamba at the bottom! Sendai the surprise package, so far …

Cerezo Osaka 3-1 Kyoto Sanga 8,926Albirex Niigata 0-0 Omiya Ardija 24,529Yokohama F Marinos 1-2 Shimizu S-Pulse 27,114Montedio Yamagata 1-0 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 7,019Nagoya Grampus 2-0 Vissel Kobe 17,776Urawa Reds 2-1 Shonan Bellmare 36,790Vegalta Sendai 2-1 Kashima Antlers 23,214Jubilo Iwata 4-3 Gamba Osaka 10,603Kawasaki Frontale 2-1 F.C.Tokyo 22,199