Arsenal Football Club boss Arsene Wenger admits he has been pleasantly surprised with Samir Nasri.

The France international joined the Gunners from Marseille in the summer, and whilst Wenger had planned to give him time to settle in England, the midfielder has had an immediate impact.

"I didn't count Nasri in here for the first six months of the season, like I do for everybody we buy at such a young age," said Wenger, who saw the player score the crucial equaliser against Everton.

"When you look at the impact he had already here you can say he's ahead of what I planned for him. He's 21, goes from France to England, and I'm quite pleased with his attitude and his performances.

"He's doing extremely well and he is already becoming an important player for us."