Alexis Sanchez made his first start of the season against Crystal Palace and, despite having a couple of good chances, didn’t appear to be anywhere near fully fit yet.

After the match, Wenger complimented the Chilean’s style of play, praising how he drives play forward and positively influences games.

“He brings a drive forward,” the boss said. “He brings the pressure on the opponent. He brings goal chances. When it was 1-1 it is no coincidence that he found the header over Ward [and] maybe it’s a typical Alexis goal.”

The boss did, however, admit that the 26-year-old wasn’t exactly fit, which does beg the question of why he was started over someone like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is match-ready. Again, just like last week, it seems a little desperate to start one of your star players when he’s not quite ready and I wonder how much influence Alexis has over whether he plays or not.

“More desire than fitness,” Wenger said. “He is still a bit short fitness-wise but he is a fighter.”

I have no doubt that Alexis wanted to play probably more than Wenger wanted to play him.

I don’t think it’s a huge worry but hopefully the forward doesn’t pick up an injury because he’s returned sooner than he probably should.