LONDON -- Arsene Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez as a "fighter" for his telling contribution to Arsenal's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Chile international Sanchez, only just back in training after a month's break following the Copa America, started the match way ahead of Wenger's planned schedule, and was at the centre of a much-improved attacking display from Arsenal after last week's 2-0 defeat to West Ham.
Sanchez's second-half header forced Damien Delaney to score the own goal that won the match after Palace defender Joel Ward had cancelled out Olivier Giroud's opener in the first half.
"He brings a drive forward, the pressure on the opponent, goal chances," Wenger said of Sanchez. "When it was 1-1, it's not a coincidence that he found the header over Ward that, maybe, it's a typical Sanchez goal: more desire than fitness.
"He's still a bit short, but he's a fighter."
Wenger was also happy with Giroud's performance.
The France striker has been under pressure from Theo Walcott for his place, and Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for another striker, with Danny Welbeck a long-term injury doubt.
"Look, Giroud scored a goal, was important because we had to deal with a lot of long balls," he said. "He had a lot stronger performance than recently."
Playmaker Mesut Ozil was also singled out for praise, with the Arsenal boss adding: "He was very important getting the ball out from the back in tight areas.
"It's a pleasure to watch the quality of his passing and the intelligence of his passing. What I want from him more is a few more goals this season. The build-up of the game, he was absolutely magnificent.
"He works harder than many people think he does. He's not spectacular in his defending, but he wants to do the job and help the team."
After last week's disappointment, Wenger was relieved to secure victory over a Palace team brimming with attacking intent.
"I believe we have shown our strongest points, and have shown different aspects of our game that are vital in the Premiership: a good flowing game in the first half," he said.
"It was a mental test when they came back to 1-1 after last week, and we managed to find a second goal. We had to dig in and fight in the second part, and we did that. I'm pleased. We showed many different aspects that will be very important in the season."