Kashima Antlers are back atop the Meiji Yasuda J1 League after hosting a thrilling 4-4 draw with Sagan Tosu that saw three goals fly into the net in second-half stoppage time.

As the clock hit 90 minutes, Kashima trailed Sagan 3-2, but scored twice to take the lead before Masaya Tashiro's equalizer seven minutes into time added on earned a point for the away side.

While Kashima will be disappointed with conceding late, the draw brings the Antlers up to 30 points on the season and ahead of Kawasaki Frontale on goal difference after the defending champions were shockingly trounced by Shonan Bellmare at home, 4-0.

The attacking feast saw Kashima star forward Ayase Ueda impress once again, getting on the scoresheet and taking the lead in the Top Scorer race with nine goals so far on the campaign.

It was a crucial contribution for Ueda, whose clinical finish came in the 68th minute when Kashima trailed 3-1 and were in desperate need of a spark to get them back into the game.

As Ueda goes, so go the Antlers — and if he continues atop the scoring chart, his team may well find themselves lifting a ninth J.League crown come November.