Arsenal vs. QPR: Winners and Losers from London Derby
Arsenal held on for a 2-1 victory at home to Queens Park Rangers on Friday in an exciting Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez gave the Gunners the lead with a 37th-minute header, but Arsenal were dealt a blow when striker Olivier Giroud drew a straight red card early in the second half following an incident with Nedum Onuoha.
Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, Arsenal continued to dominate after the dismissal and doubled their lead through Tomas Rosicky in the 65th minute. Charlie Austin pulled back a late goal for QPR from the penalty spot, but the visitors were unable to complete a comeback.
The result keeps Arsenal in sixth place on 30 points. QPR remain 16th with 17 points, just two points above the relegation spots.
Here are our winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Alexis Sanchez
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Alexis Sanchez had another day to remember, scoring a goal, assisting another and missing a first-half penalty. The Chilean was Arsenal's best and most dangerous attacker yet again, underlining his importance to the squad.
Sanchez's goal was his 10th in the Premier League. As noted by Opta, Ian Wright is the only Arsenal player to reach that milestone in fewer matches.
Even after his early penalty miss, Sanchez continued to work hard, providing Arsenal with an attacking outlet through hard work, crafty dribbling and eye-popping skill. As the Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter noted on Twitter, Sanchez has many virtues that make him a superior player—though penalty-taking is perhaps not one of them.
If there is one concern for Sanchez and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, it's the number of matches Sanchez has played this season. After another 90 minutes on Friday, the Chilean has already featured in 25 competitive matches this term for the Gunners. At some point, he will need a rest.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, the present moment is the busiest portion of the Premier League schedule. The Gunners play again Sunday, at West Ham, and Wenger will likely have to rely on his South American talisman on short rest.
Loser: Olivier Giroud
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Arsenal were cruising. The score was 1-0, and the Gunners were dominating. QPR were hardly in the match, and a second goal felt inevitable.
And then Olivier Giroud received a red card in the 53rd minute for what can only be described as a moment of madness. After chasing a ball near the edge of QPR's box, Giroud rose to his feet after falling past onrushing goalkeeper Rob Green. Giroud must have felt that Onuoha had deliberately pushed him over, because Giroud rushed over and pushed his head onto Onuoha's.
Onuoha fell to the pitch theatrically, but that does not condone Giroud. The red card was warranted, and Giroud's actions were foolish. Not only did he leave his team with a numerical disadvantage, but he also drew a likely three-match ban during the busiest part of the season.
"It was was a deserved red card," Wenger said, per BBC Sport. "Olivier didn't control himself. It completely changed the dynamic of the game. We were completely in control at that stage, and it was quite comfortable."
Wenger added: "Olivier is a guy who, when he makes mistakes, he stands up and admits it."
Arsenal could feel Giroud's absence acutely. First up is a Sunday trip to West Ham United. If history is any guide, Sam Allardyce's side will take a physical approach against Arsenal.
Giroud, who is a big and strong striker, would have helped Arsenal combat that approach, but now he will miss out.
Winner: Tomas Rosicky
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Tomas Rosicky made the most of his first start of the season, scoring what turned out to be the winner in the 65th minute.
Rosicky, in fact, played well throughout his 83 minutes on the pitch. The Czech maestro orchestrated several attacks in the first half with excellent passing and demonstrated a typically strong work rate in midfield.
Coming at a time when Arsenal's midfield options are limited, Rosicky's performance was a welcome positive for Wenger. It would be no surprise to see Rosicky in the lineup again Sunday at West Ham.
Loser: QPR's Away Form
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Queens Park Rangers entered Friday's match with the worst away record in the league, having played eight and lost eight. That poor form continued at the Emirates, where Arsenal dominated most of the match before Rangers made a late, unsuccessful bid for a comeback.
Nearing the halfway point of the season, Harry Redknapp's side has lost all nine of its games away from Loftus Road. Yet somehow QPR remain two points above the relegation zone.
If not for their fine record at Loftus Road, QPR would be in dire trouble. As it is, Redknapp will have to work out his side's away woes in the new year.
Winner: Arsene Wenger
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Friday's result marked Wenger's 400th Premier League victory. The Frenchman becomes only the second manager, after Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, to reach that milestone.
Wenger will be more concerned with his team's pursuit of trophies at home and in Europe, but Friday's milestone was a nice moment for Arsenal's longtime manager in what has been at times a difficult campaign.
