Gunners see off stout QPR

London - Arsenal have maintained their push for a Champions League place as two goals in five second-half minutes gave them a 2-1 victory over QPR at Loftus Road on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger's men stand on the brink of elimination from Europe's elite competition after losing their last 16 first leg against Monaco, but they remain on course for a return next season as they clinched their seventh win in eight matches thanks to goals from Oliver Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.

The third placed Gunners, one point ahead of Manchester United, started their first of five games in 17 days in worryingly sluggish form but their attacking weapons eventually came good in the 64th and 69th minute, although Charlie Austin's drive gave the struggling hosts hope eight minutes from time.