SOUTHAMPTON, England (Kyodo) -- Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma continued his impressive run of form for Brighton and Hove Albion with a goal in their 4-0 victory away to Southampton in the English Premier League on Saturday.

The national football team star extended his scoring streak to three games across all competitions when he made it 3-0 for the visitors in the 71st minute at St. Mary's Stadium.

Mitoma nudged a potential opener just wide before Joao Pedro gave Brighton the lead with his chip over Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale.

After Georginio Rutter doubled the lead in the second half, Mitoma snuffed out any remaining hopes for the Premier League's bottom side when he dribbled from the center circle and beat Ramsdale one-on-one with a clinical finish.

The 27-year-old Mitoma has equaled his best return for a single Premier League season with seven goals so far this term.

Japan teammate Yukinari Sugawara came off the bench at halftime for Southampton, who remain anchored to the foot of the table with just two wins.

In France's Ligue 1, Takumi Minamino notched his third goal of the season for Monaco in a 2-1 loss away to Lille. Minamino also stretched his scoring streak to three straight matches, including the Champions League.

In the Scottish Premiership, Japan striker Daizen Maeda bagged his ninth goal of the campaign for champions Celtic as they were upset 2-1 away to Hibernian.