Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez is a fighter'

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has praised the fighting spirit of Alexis Sanchez after he helped the Gunners to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace despite concerns regarding his fitness.

Sanchez notched up 75 minutes in his first start of the Premier League campaign following a long international summer, and the Chilean playmaker proved the difference as he contributed to Arsenal's winning goal when Damien Delaney deflected into his own net.

"It was not a coincidence that he found the header, it's a typical Sanchez goal with more desire than fitness," said Wenger, according to FourFourTwo.com.

"He's still a bit short fitness-wise but he's a fighter."

Wenger's men have so far picked up three points from two games, after losing their opening league match to West Ham United last weekend.