Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to Santi Cazorla after the Spaniard fired Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Fulham.

The Spain international bagged a brace in the victory at the Emirates Stadium, which ensures that the Gunners remain at the summit of table.

Cazorla was sidelined earlier in the season with an ankle injury, and the Frenchman is delighted that the creative midfielder is now pain-free and showcasing his ability for the good of the team.

He told Sky Sports News: "We were one paced in the first half and then Cazorla delivered two excellent goals and everyone is happy. In the second period it appeared to be a matter of time.

"Santi has missed a large part of the season but he is free from pain in his ankle now and we are seeing what a great player he is."

The North London outfit host League One outfit Coventry City in a fourth-round FA Cup encounter on Friday, before resuming league commitments with a trip to Southampton.