Arsenal yet again gave the fans a frustrating finish after seeming totally in control in the first half. Maybe if Alexis had not fluffed his penalty chance before putting us ahead 8 minutes the half-time whistle then we may have had a more relaxed second half to enjoy.
But of course we made it hard for ourselves early in the second half when Olivier Giroud over-reacted to a little push in the back, and the ref had no hesitation sending the Frenchman off after he appeared to headbutt Onouha. Suddenly QPR felt they had a chance to come back but thank god that Alexis was around to set our minds at rest with an excellent dribble before setting up Rosicky for a two goal cushion.
Our usual nail-biting finish was assured after Austin pulled one back from the penalty spot to give us 12 minutes of nail-chewing before the final whistle relieved the pressure.
Arsene Wenger admitted it wasn-t the easy win we had all expected: “We made it hard for ourselves but we played two types of games.” he said on the official Arsenal website. “One where we were in control of the game until it went 2-1. After, you never know. The last five minutes were a bit edgy because we conceded a late goal last week and you could feel that was a bit in our mind. But overall I think we were in control for big parts of the game and in the end we have shown resilience and fortunately got the three points.
“We were nervous and the opponent pushed forward. Our game is [about] psychology and the mental aspect. In the final part of the game when the result is not settled, it’s always very important.
“It was a tough one today. It doesn’t become easier. Honestly, you don’t have a feeling because there is so much in the next game. I’m happy I could win 400 and it’s not as easy as it looks. The next 400 will be much more difficult.”
Now we will have to face two tough away games against the two teams directly above us in the League without Giroud. This could be the week that makes or breaks our season, so we can only hope that Wenger can get the players mentally fit for a pulsating week ahead…..