Arsenal survived the sending-off of striker Olivier Giroud for a reckless headbutt to beat QPR at the Emirates Stadium and close back up on the Premier League top four.
The French striker, who will now serve a three-match ban, was red carded after charging into Nedum Onuoha on 53 minutes.
Arsenal made an electric start and were awarded an early penalty when former Gunners defender Armand Traore tripped Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean held onto the ball but his effort lacked any real pace towards the bottom right corner, and Robert Green got down to make the save.
Arsenal’s tempo dropped but the home side remained dominant in possession nevertheless as the conditions worsened. QPR’s rearguard was breached when Santi Cazorla pushed the ball out to Kieran Gibbs on the overlap down the left. The defender looked up before chipping a cross back through the six-yard box, where no-one had picked up the run of Sanchez as the diminu-tive Chilean guided a cushioned header into the far corner.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men following a moment of red mist by Giroud. The France striker was bundled over by Onuoha on the edge of the penalty area as they chased a long ball forwards.
Giroud, incandescent with rage, scrambled to his feet to confront Onuha, pushing his forehead into the defender’s face.
Arsenal looked to respond by continuing their pressure and soon doubled their lead. Sanchez made another penetrating run to the edge of the penalty area, where he played in Tomas Rosicky on the overlap and the Czech midfielder dispatched a low, first-time shot past Green.
QPR then grabbed a lifeline after Mathieu Debuchy tripped Junior Hoilett just inside the penalty area, with the referee again expertly placed to make the call.
Austin made no mistake from the spot, blasting the ball down the centre but the Gunners battled to victory.
