After Santi Cazorla won Man of the Match against Crystal Palace, Wenger was keen to hail the Spaniard’s contribution to the game.

The 30-year-old was in fine form against the Eagles on Sunday and appears to be picking up where he left off in terms of progress after last season.

Wenger spoke after the match about how versatile the midfielder can be, as well as how positive his influence on play is.

“Cazorla in important the start of the game when the ball comes from our defenders,” Wenger said, “because he can pass from deep midfield to high midfield better than everybody and get out of pressure.”

Wenger also mentioned playing Cazorla in his preferred, more central role today and it really made a difference. Despite being small in stature, his presence on the pitch is unbelievable. He manages to dictate play and the whole direction of the game with a quick flick of the ball or strategic pass.

“That’s why I positioned him more central,” Wenger continued. “He is not any more a player on the flanks who can overlap and cross the ball.”

The midfielder has certainly stepped it up a notch since last season and it’s delightful to see, especially after we tried him down to another two-year contract extension recently.