Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen paid tribute to Cesc Fabregas after the Spanish midfielder inspired the Gunners to a 3-0 over Aston Villa after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Fabregas was on the pitch for 28 minutes as a substitute after recovering from a hamstring injury and he scored twice before being replaced by Aaron Ramsey.
Vermaelen said of Fabregas: "He was great. He had an injury and he did everything to make this game. He's a fantastic player.
"We didn't create as many chances and when he came on he gave us more opportunities to score," Vermaelen added on Sky Sports 1.
Fabregas put Arsenal ahead with a free-kick after 65 minutes which he curled over the wall and out of the reach of Brad Friedel.
The Spaniard settled the contest with 10 minutes to go when he finished off a Gunners breakaway as he slotted the ball past Friedel after Theo Walcott had set him up from Armand Traore's long ball.
But the midfielder was withdrawn with six minutes left after appearing to pick up an injury as he scored his second goal.
Abou Diaby wrapped it up in injury-time when he ran at the Villa defence and curled a shot low into the corner from the edge of the area.
Vermaelen felt Arsenal deserved to win after being held by Villa in an even first half.
He said: "We had a good game and I think we deserved to win. It's a good result for us. Aston Villa became tired in the second half and you see the result. We defended well as a team."
