The J. League first-stage title race took another twist on Saturday as in-form Japan striker Tatsuhiko Kubo scored one and set up another to put 10-man Yokohama F. Marinos on the road to a 3-2 home win over FC Tokyo.
The win moved Yokohama top of the table after leader JEF United Ichihara was sunk by a late goal from substitute Ryuta Hara in a 2-1 defeat to Nagoya Grampus Eight in Nagano Prefecture and Kashima Antlers were held 1-1 at Oita Trinita.
Yokohama has 17 points from eight games, one clear of Ichihara and Kashima, who missed out on a chance to regain top spot in the 16-team standings.
Veteran Japan defender Yutaka Akita inexplicably fluffed a routine back pass to goalkeeper Hitoshi Sogahata in the 37th minute and Brazilian striker Rodrigo pounced to lash the ball into the top corner to give the home side the lead.