That was just the sort of physically tough and energy sapping game that Arsenal could have done without less than a week before going to Old Trafford to take on Man United in the FA cup. But it was also the sort of game that the Gunners could have crumbled in, as we did away to Stoke this season. But we held firm, took our chances and then held on under late pressure, so fair play.
The powerful QPR players were full of running and not afraid to get stuck in sandArsenal knew they were in a game straight away. It was frantic stuff at times but we did manage to get the ball down and give the home side some real problems and that seemed to increase as the first half went on. Arsenal can feel a bit unlucky not to have led at the break.
Coquelin was a busy boy but the whole team worked hard. Rosicky was full of energy and craft even though it did not always come off in limited space. Ospina was calm and in control and made at least one great save to keep us level. Alexis and Bellerin were giving them plenty to think about on both flanks, while Ozil and Cazorla were trying to unlock the door.
We did lose Gabriel in the first half though and have to hope it is not a serious problem.
Arsenal started the second half as we finished the first. Ozil should have won a penalty and we looked like scoring but just as they started to come back, Giroud pounced with a great finish to make the most oif a lucky deflection on Gibbs’ cross. And then Alexis made it two with a superb solo effort.
It looked like we were cruising and going to get a third but we didn’t and with 10 minutes left, Austen was allowed to turn and score, meaning a tense and nervous finish. Job done, just about.