Arsene Wenger admitted that both Lucas and Shkodran Mustafi were ‘surprised’ by the pace and commitment of the Premier League but has back the duo to adapt.

Coming into this game they perhaps did not have the most ideal preparation. The international break meant that many key players were missing from the club and Mustafi himself was away on international duty, leaving him only a few days to get to know his new teammates.

Of the pair, Mustafi certainly enjoyed the better debut, while Lucas was quiet and as Wenger highlights, they were both much better in the second half.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, the boss gave his opinion on the pair.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal embrace after the match during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal embrace after the match during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

“I felt he [Lucas] was a bit surprised by the pace of the game, Mustafi as well by the commitment.

“Both of them did much better in the second half.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal (L) comes on for Lucas Perez of Arsenal (R) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal (L) comes on for Lucas Perez of Arsenal (R) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on September 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

“It will take some time for them to adapt. I’m confident they will.”

With Giroud starting the game on the bench you would have to think that he will get the nod to start in Paris. Watch how the press make a massive deal of what would be called ‘rotation’ at any other club.