SAINTS new boy Maya Yoshida is targeting three points against Aston Villa tomorrow after last weekend's baptism of fire at Arsenal.

The Japan international joined the south coast side from Dutch side VVV-Venlo late in the transfer window and was thrown in at the deep end at the Emirates Stadium.

Jos Hooiveld's first-half injury saw Yoshida drafted into the Saints defence despite only spending one day training with his new team-mates.

The match ended in a 6-1 humbling, leaving the club bottom of the table without a point, but Yoshida is confident they will fare better tomorrow.

''In the first half, I played not so good especially as the third goal was my mistake,'' he said.

''The second half I began to show my skills of bringing it from the back and I have confidence that I can play in the Premier League .

''It was a challenging game for me to play against Arsenal because they are a very big team.

''I was not satisfied but I could enjoy the game against Arsenal because the Emirates is a great stadium and the opponents were very strong.

''That was my Premier League debut but I am now looking forward to playing at St Mary's on Saturday.

''I want to show my good qualities to the Southampton supporters and this time win the game.''

Yoshida's acquisition doubles the Japanese contingent at St Mary's, where he links up with compatriot Tadanari Lee .

''I asked him many things about the club, city and culture,'' Yoshida added.

''He said the team was very good, it was a traditional club and the organisation was very good.

''He said life was very nice here. You live by the sea and the food is not so bad. I've not tried fish and chips yet but I think I will do it.''

The Daily Echo printed the first big interview with Maya Yoshida earlier this week. You can read it in full here .