The Kashima Antlers edged relegation-threatened Omiya Ardija 1-0 on Saturday to move six points clear at the top of the table as J. League first-division action resumed after the international break.
Mu Kanazaki fired Kashima in front with his 10th goal of the season in the 33rd minute, and the reigning champions survived a wave of pressure to secure a third straight win, moving six ahead of Kawasaki Frontale with nine games remaining in the season.
"Personal stats don't really matter to me, I think we needed to play better in the second half," Kanazaki said.