Maya Yoshida did not hesitate in shouldering the blame for Tottenham’s second equaliser in the 2-2 draw at St Mary’s.

The defender admitted he did not get close enough to Nacer Chadli, who latched onto an Eric Dier pass 20 minutes from time, before beating Kelvin Davis with a low shot into the far corner.

“We should win, but the second goal was my mistake,” said a downbeat Yoshida.

Maya Yoshida in action during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham

“We knew that Chadli is one of the quickest players in Tottenham, so always small details makes a big difference in this level.

“I have to improve that part of my football.”

Yoshida, showing admirable honesty, continued his assessment of his role in the goal.

He added: “There was too big a space between me and Ryan [Bertrand], because I was thinking too much about [Harry] Kane and that makes a big space between us. Then I should tell Ryan to come one or two steps inside a little bit more as well, so that is key out there to concede the goal.”

Asked whether he was pleased with his performance otherwise, the 26-year-old Japan international said: “Yeah, only that thing that I make wrong, but it doesn’t matter after that if I play well or not.

“That’s the job of the centre back. One mistake makes a difference in my position.”

It was clearly an intensely frustrating moment for Yoshida, who has had a strong season overall, but he felt a draw was about the right result.

“Both teams played really well, it was a really exciting game,” he said.

“Of course, everyone wanted to win, because this was a very important match.

“There is just one point difference with us, and they have [Mauricio] Pochettino as well.”