Mitoma: I need to improve my qualities

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Winger frustrated with outcome against Fulham.

Charlie Hanson

2023-02-21T15:00:00Z

Kaoru Mitoma has five goals in the Premier League so far this campaign.

Kaoru Mitoma reckons he needs to improve his goalscoring form after failing to find the back of the net in our last two Premier League matches.

The run marks the Japanese winger’s longest run without a goal since the end of October, having not gone two league games without scoring since finding the back of the net in the top-flight for the first time against Wolves.

The 25-year-old has still found goalscoring opportunities in our matches against Crystal Palace and Fulham, but says it’s important for the team that he takes them.

“I need to improve the quality both on the flanks and in the middle. In our system I often play inside, so I need to improve my play there, and I also need to strengthen my quality on the flanks in order to break the deadlock, like against Fulham.

The Japan international has seven goals for us in all competitions.

“It's all about making the decision quicker and scoring goals. If you don't score goals where you have clear chances, you end up with games like this, and that's what football is all about.

“We have to create more chances, and the players at the back are doing a good job in the build-up, so the attackers need to get the goal and make the game easier.”

Kaoru was particularly frustrated with the 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

“We've played games like this many times, and if we don't take our chances in the first half, they will use the space when we are on the front foot.

“It was partially my mistake, and I'm sorry about that, but I think we were not clinical in front of the goal enough.

“It is frustrating because we play good football every game. I think it would have been different story if we had been able to score earlier in the game, and that is my fault, so I regret that a bit.

“My condition is not a problem at all. I'm getting fitter and I was in good shape for the game, but I made some mistakes in some decisions.”

The winger is keen to make it up to the fans when we’re next in action – a trip to Stoke City in the Emirates FA Cup next Tuesday.

“We have to switch it around and get back into condition once more, we have the FA Cup coming up and we have to win that as well, so we have to prepare well and win the hearts of the fans once more.”