Arsene Wenger has hailed Alexis Sanchez for how quickly he has adapted to English football after his match-winning display in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Southampton.

The Chilean struck an 89th-minute winner at the Emirates Stadium tonight to break the Saints' stubborn resistance and net his 14th goal for the Gunners in all competitions.

Wenger splashed £35m on luring him from Barcelona in the summer, and the Frenchman admits to being surprised at how seamless the transition has been.

Speaking to Arsenal's official website, he said: "It's difficult to find examples of someone who has settled so quickly. He's had a fabulous impact on the team."

Victory helped the North Londoners stay within two points of fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.