Arsenal 2 Queens Park Rangers 1

Arsenal produced an impressive second-half display to beat QPR in a fourth consecutive Premier League win and consolidate their top-four place. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring, poking home when on the ground after Kieran Gibbs’s shot was blocked. Alexis Sanchez beat Robert Green at his near post to double Arsenal’s lead. QPR faded after a strong first-half performance, although they were given late hope by Charlie Austin’s powerful strike with eight minutes left. Arsenal remain on course for automatic Champions League qualification, sitting one point clear of fourth-placed Manchester United, and three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.

Sanchez scored his first goal since January as he ended a mini-drought with a bit of skill while Giroud scores fifth goal in five games. While Arsenal took time to settle, they provided a reminder of their quality when Green kept out Santi Cazorla after a flowing move that saw the Spaniard combine neatly with Giroud. The Gunners were much the better team after half-time though, and threatened almost immediately, with Mesut Ozil insisting only a foul by Henry had prevented him from converting a Tomas Rosicky cut-back. Soon after Giroud put Arsenal ahead, they created further chances in quick succession and, having just denied Sanchez, Green was beaten by the Chile forward at his near post from an acute angle.

The Gunners were much the better team after half-time though, and threatened almost immediately, with Mesut Ozil insisting only a foul by Henry had prevented him from converting a Tomas Rosicky cut-back. Soon after Giroud put Arsenal ahead, they created further chances in quick succession and, having just denied Sanchez, Green was beaten by the Chile forward at his near post from an acute angle. Austin’s late strike gave QPR hope of a dramatic late equaliser, but the home side failed to build further momentum and Arsenal’s control of possession ensured no further alarms. After 28 games played and 54 points Arsenal stays in 3rd place a point above Manchester United and 3 above Liverpool who are breathing down the neck of the top 4.