J.League wrap: Top sides fruitless as Tokyo fire

None of the top-four J.League sides could find the back of the net on Saturday as Tokyo gained ground in the competition.

The league-leading Vegalta Sendai were held to a scoreless stalemate at the third-placed Urawa Reds’ Saitama Stadium 2002.

Sanfrecce Hiroshima, two points off top spot, were held to a 0-0 draw at home by the lowly Omiya Ardija – who ended a three-game losing streak.

Kawasaki Frontale were also involved in a scoreless contest, at home to Yokohama F Marinos, who are unbeaten in their past 10 in all competitions.

Tokyo were the highest-ranked team to register a goal, and they did so with a 2-0 victory over Cerezo Osaka.

Second-half strikes to Aria Hasegawa and Lucas sent Tokyo into fifth place, and just one point and goal difference from third.

Gamba Osaka won just their third match of the season, in a 4-0 thrashing of cellar-dwellers Consadole Sapporo.

Nagoya Grampus chalked up back-to-back wins with a 2-0 victory at home to Jubilo Iwata, while Vissel Kobe were 1-0 victors over Albirex Niigata.

Shimizu S-Pulse were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sagan Tosu, while Kashiwa Reysol were also kept to a point in their 1-1 stalemate with Kashima Antlers.