MAYA Yoshida could barely take solace in a clean sheet after the drab goalless draw against Hull at St Mary’s, after which he described Saints’ form in front of goal as a lot like “ketchup”.

The Japan international made his 100th Premier League appearance for Saints in the Tigers draw and won a last-gasp penalty to give Saints hope of an underserved victory.

However, Dusan Tadic’s 91st minute spot kick was saved by visiting goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, meaning Claude Puel’s men drew a blank against one of the worst away sides in the top-flight.

Saints may have sealed their 12th shut out of the season in this one – which is the fifth-best tally in the Premier League.

But, at the other end, they only mustered two shots on target.

In reality, Yoshida felt Saints failed to cut the mustard in any area of the pitch and described their attacking form as similar to trying to draw sauce from a stubborn ketchup bottle.

“Defensively we are much better than that today,” he explained. “It’s the same on the attacking side also because we can score much more.

“It’s difficult to talk about the scoring because this is the most difficult thing.

“It’s like ketchup ... you know it’s coming one day but not today.”

The 28-year-old’s analogy regarding their goalscoring problems was not an attempt make light of Saints’ struggles against Hull and fully understood why boos rang around St Mary’s at half and full time.

“We can play much better, we know that, and the supporters know that as well,” he said.

“Even when we’ve lost players every season, even some injuries this season, it doesn’t matter, we should play better because that is the Southampton way.

“The things we showed today wasn’t Southampton’s way, we need that philosophy and tactically and individually to be much better.

“There were too many mistakes individually but at least we make a clean sheet, so we make a little progress.

“The coming games will be more tough and the last two weeks tougher. We have to be ready for that and try and finish the season well.”

He added: “I can imagine [the fans’ frustrations]. As well as the supporters we feel frustrated, especially after a game like today.”

Yoshida, who joined Saints from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo in 2012, hit his century in this game.

“That was my target at the beginning of the season and so I’m very happy to have achieved 100 appearances,” he said.

“It took five years, a little long, but, okay, it’s a good step up for me, for Asian football too.

“I’m very happy to be here and I feel like it’s my home. The people treat me very well, so I really appreciate everyone who look after me and work with me.”