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Cape Town - Arsene Wenger praised Alexis Sanchez for his efforts against Crystal Palace despite not yet being fully fit.
One of the key figures in Arsenal's strong finish to last season was Alexis Sanchez and the Chile winger's belated first start of the campaign, after an extended break following Copa America duty, brought an extra menace to the Gunners' attacks.
Wenger admitted Sanchez was still short of full fitness, but he was delighted with the Chilean's commitment, epitomised by his leaping header that led to Damien Delaney's own goal.
"He brings drive, he brings pressure on the opponent, he brings chances," Wenger said.
"When it was 1-1 it is no coincidence that he found the header for the goal over Joel Ward. He is a fighter. It was more desire than fitness at this stage.
"He has had only two weeks' training but he still had the mental resources to score a vital goal for us.
"It's not a 100 per cent fit Sanchez but it's a 100 per cent motivated Sanchez and sometimes that's enough."
