QPR vs. Arsenal: Winners and Losers from London Derby

Arsenal held on to beat QPR in a closely fought contest at Loftus Road.

This match resembled the Gunners' last London derby against Crystal Palace. Having taken a 2-0 lead, Arsene Wenger's team conceded a late goal to ensure a nervous finish.

Nevertheless, Arsenal were able to hold on for a big three points in the battle for Champions League qualification. Rangers, meanwhile, will take heart from a spirited display but remain firmly in the relegation mire.

In this piece, we have a look at the winners and losers from tonight's game. Who impressed, and who let their side down? Read on to find out.

Winner: Per Mertesacker

Julian Finney/Getty Images

When Per Mertesacker was left out of Arsenal’s last game with Everton, there were fears that he might find it hard to reclaim his place in the side. However, with games coming thick and fast, he was handed an immediate reprieve, returning to the starting XI at Loftus Road.

Mertesacker responded with an excellent performance, enabling Arsenal to cope fairly well with a QPR strategy based on long balls and crosses. With Gabriel Paulista picking up an injury, Mertesacker will be optimistic of retaining his spot for the foreseeable future.

Loser: Gabriel Paulista

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Gabriel Paulista's hopes of establishing himself in the Arsenal team were hit by an injury that forced him to withdraw after just 37 minutes. Just four games into his Gunners career, Gabriel has succumbed to the Arsenal injury curse.

Even in his short time on the field, the Brazilian looked uncomfortable. Up against the robust Bobby Zamora, he showed a worrying tendency to let the ball bounce, affording the striker the opportunity to get the ball down and bring others into play.

Winner: Mesut Ozil

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Mesut Ozil continues to defy his critics.

Despite his melancholy manner, the German seems to be enjoying his football once again. At Loftus Road, he produced some outrageous touches, drawing gasps of appreciation from both sets of fans.

Ozil is currently enjoying the finest form of his Arsenal career. Arsenal fans will hope it continues, as his creative contribution will be vital in the season's closing stages.

Loser: Darnell Furlong

Darnell Furlong is clearly a big prospect at QPR. However, against Arsenal he looked a little out of his depth.

As soon as the team-sheets were named, his duel with Alexis Sanchez looked like a mismatch. As it happened, both Arsenal goals ended up coming down Furlong's flank.

There's no need to write him off: He'll have learnt plenty during this appearance. Furlong may have been a loser on this occasion, but he retains the core attributes to develop into a fine defender.

Winner: Hector Bellerin

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Hector Bellerin produced another energetic display at Loftus Road.

His runs up the flank are remarkable in their relentlessness. Throughout the 90 minutes, he provided the Gunners with an effective attacking outlet, more often than not beating his man—whether by speed or skill.

Bellerin's emergence has undoubtedly been one of the plus points of a mixed season for Arsenal.

Loser: Karl Henry

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Karl Henry and Arsenal have history. Back in 2010, the combative midfielder was sent off against the Gunners while playing for Wolves.

He was extremely fortunate to escape an identical fate in this fixture. Having been booked in the first half, he appeared to tug back Ozil when the German was well-placed to score. The referee missed it, and Henry stayed on the field.

That didn't seem to particularly bother Arsenal, who bypassed him with relative ease. Henry has always looked more comfortable in the Championship, and it seems he will return there sooner rather than later.

Winner: Alexis Sanchez

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Alexis Sanchez is back on the goal trail.

When Alexis misses a clear one-on-one after a defensive lapse, you begin to fear his confidence is draining. Such anxieties were misplaced: Moments later, he produced an astounding finish from the tightest of angles to end his mini goal drought.

Ahead of a massive game at Old Trafford, this boost to Alexis' confidence is a timely fillip for the Gunners.