Arsene Wenger Praises Alexis Sanchez and Gives Update on Theo Walcott

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has heaped praise on Alexis Sanchez after the Chilean starred by scoring both the goals in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

The former Barcelona player has settled to life in the Premier League quickly and has got accustomed to Arsenal's style of play. He has been impressive right from the start and has already scored five goals and provided two assists in eight Premier League games.

The Chilean international is a hard working player and both the goals he scored against Sunderland was due to his persistence and desire to win the ball back from the opposition.

Wenger is highly impressed with the player's ability to quickly make the transition from defence to offence after he wins the ball back from the opposition player.

"He took advantage of the mistakes they made but he's also got a super quality - he's quickly on your feet which is why he wins many balls that normal players don't," Wenger said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

"He's very quick in transition from offence to defence and wins the ball back very quickly. We can take advantage of that."

The Frenchman also gave an update on the fitness of Arsenal striker Theo Walcott, who was on the bench for the Sunderland game.

The England international is making a return to competitive football after a nine-month spell on the sidelines due to a cruciate knee ligament injury he sustained in January against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.

"He's fit. He lacks competition. Physically he lacks two things: contact in the Premier League and competition. But fitness wise there is no problem at all," the Gunners boss added.