Southampton defender Maya Yoshida says their improving form is due to the new players now settling in.

Yoshida arrived in August from VVV Venlo.

"The main reason is that we have a long time been playing with the same players," he said.

"The first time I played was in September and I had little time to communicate with my teammates.

"Jos Hooiveld had an injury, as did many left-and right backs. But now we play with the same team. Such continuity is important."