Southampton defender Maya Yoshida sees their clash with Brighton as critical.

Watford's FA Cup involvement and a round of international fixtures have left Ralph Hasenhuttl's side with a three-week break before their trip along the south coast.

Yoshida said: “We are still not safe, that's for sure.

“It's going to be really crucial when we play Brighton, so we have to make sure we are ready for that game physically, mentally and tactically.

“We've played well in the last three games but, unfortunately, we couldn't get any points from one of them.

“If we didn't get a point against Tottenham, then it would have been a really long and difficult three-week break.

“It was crucial to get the three points because Cardiff, Newcastle and Brighton all won before the break."