OLIVIER Giroud and Alexis Sanchez guided Arsenal to a routine 2-1 Premier League victory at struggling QPR, despite Charlie Austin striking back late on. France striker Giroud's fifth goal in as many games set Arsenal on course, before Sanchez ended a seven-game drought.
Giroud's 13th goal of the season calmed Arsenal who had headed into the break unsettled and unnerved by a spirited effort from relegation battlers Rangers. Austin set up a fraught finish with a fine 20-yard strike on the turn for Rangers, but Arsenal were still able to cling on for victory.
The Gunners' superior quality proved decisive, with Sanchez influential in the build-up to Giroud's goal before pilfering his 19th finish of the campaign. Arsenal were denied a clear penalty when Karl Henry pulled back Mesut Ozil to stop the German tapping in, but the visitors were able to shake off ref Kevin Friend's error.
Arsenal's 10th win in 12 games in all competitions keeps them third in the table.