Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is thrilled with debut of £10m winger Sadio Mane

Saints boss Ronald Koeman was thrilled with £10m wing ace Sadio Mane’s debut at Arsenal last night.

The Senegal international played a crucial role in the 2-1 victory at the Emirates, earning the first-half penalty that drew Saints level.

Mane only joined up with the team late last week, after work permit issues delayed his arrival, following a deadline day move from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg.

The wait appears to have been worth it, though, after the lightning-fast 22-year-old produced an impressive first display in a Saints shirt, helping his side reach the fourth round of the Capital One Cup.

“It was very positive,” said Koeman. “I think he showed his qualities and he’s very fast.

“He’s a player who likes to play one-against-one. He likes to run in space behind the defence of the opponents and that’s a great quality.

“That’s one of the qualities we missed in front until now, and he brings that in, and that’s very positive.”

Koeman was also delighted with Florin Gardos, who made his full debut in last night’s match.

The Romanian joined this summer in a £6m deal from Steaua Bucharest, but has had to wait for his chance in the team.

The early signs have been encouraging, though, and he formed a strong alliance with skipper Jose Fonte at the heart of defence at the Emirates.

“I’m happy about him, because when he came he was injured,” said Koeman.

“It was a hamstring injury and we had to wait for his 100 per cent physical state and now he is and now he can show the qualities why we bring him to Southampton.”