Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Alexis Sanchez broke the deadlock for the hosts with a header shortly before half time, atoning for an earlier missed penalty that was saved by Rob Green.

Olivier Giroud was sent off in the early stages of the second half, but Tomas Rosicky's goal in the 65th minute proved enough to deny a QPR comeback despite Charlie Austin converting from the spot.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at an entertaining London derby on Boxing Day.

Match statistics

ARSENAL
Shots: 15
On target: 5
Possession: 56%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 6

QPR
Shots: 16
On target: 2
Possession: 44%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

Arsenal were forced to sweat for the three points today, but there is little doubt that they deserved the victory. The Gunners were completely dominant in the first half and, one Steven Caulker header aside, QPR failed to threaten at all until Giroud got himself needlessly sent off.

That changed the balance of the game and suddenly QPR began to string a few passes together inside the Arsenal half, but Rosicky's strike came at an important time for the hosts, giving them a valuable cushion. That proved to be vital given QPR's goal, which came as a result of a poor decision from referee Martin Atkinson.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser late on and had a couple of decent openings, including one clear shout for a penalty. However, they were so tame and toothless for the opening 50 minutes or so that they can have no complaints at losing this game. Arsenal didn't create too many chances, but they should have been out of sight at half time given their dominance.

Arsenal's performance

They don't make things easy for themselves, do they? The Gunners were in cruise control throughout the first half, controlling possession and playing the match at their own pace. They kept hold of the ball much better than they did against Liverpool last time out, with QPR sitting off the hosts and protecting their own half.

The only thing missing was a touch of cutting edge in the final third. The Gunners got in behind the QPR defence on a number of occasions, usually down the right flank, but they failed to turn the majority of those into shooting opportunities. Despite completely bossing the opening 45 minutes, they only really had two clear chances - the goal and the penalty.

Even so, it appeared unlikely that QPR would trouble Arsene Wenger's side until Giroud was sent off. Arsenal did well to get a second just as the momentum seemed to be shifting, but they were left hanging on at the end and, on another day, may have failed to take all three points from this one. They deserved the win, but Wenger won't be happy at having to cling on to get it.

QPR's performance

Following such a rousing comeback in their last match, you'd have thought that QPR would be well up for this one, even considering their away woes this season. However, the first-half performance was as tepid a display as you will see, with QPR unable to string any decent number of passes together and giving the ball back to Arsenal time after time.

Their formation didn't appear to be helping, with Harry Redknapp opting for three at the back this afternoon. However, when he changed things - a decision sparked by the red card - his side began to get a little more joy going forward. Suddenly they were able to keep the ball in the opposition half and, having not asked any questions up until that point, began to threaten Wojciech Szczesny's goal.

Rosicky's goal was certainly a big blow, but they kept their heads up and refused to give in. They got lucky with the penalty, but built on that slice of fortune and battled until the end. However, it was still a defeat, which means that they remain without a single away point this season. That simply must improve.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Alexis Sanchez: Not for the first time this season, Sanchez was the man to stand out for Arsenal today. Much of their joy came down the right flank, where Sanchez gave Armand Traore a torrid time of things. His penalty was very poor, but he atoned for that error with his goal, and added an assist later in the game too. All match he was looking to burst forward, and the QPR defence just couldn't deal with him at times.

Biggest gaffe

We are spoilt for choice with this one today. Traore's challenge for the penalty was poor, while the subsequent spot kick was also disappointing. Traore's marking for the opening goal was shambolic, and Green should have probably kept Rosicky's strike out despite it taking a deflection. Then, Atkinson got in on the act with a poor decision to award QPR a penalty.

However, the biggest gaffe of the lot was probably Giroud's red card. The Frenchman was shoved over by Nedum Onuoha when chasing a ball and reacted far too angrily, squaring up to the QPR man and putting his head against his opponent's. To call it a headbutt would be a little harsh as there wasn't much contact, and Onuoha should be ashamed with the way he went to the ground. However, it happened right in front of the referee and is always going to risk a red card, so it was a mindless action from Giroud with his side in complete control.

Referee performance

It certainly wasn't a quiet London derby for Atkinson, who awarded two penalties and may have awarded more. The first was a stone-waller, and he got that one right, but QPR's spot kick was a terrible decision as Mathieu Debuchy clearly got a foot on the ball. Both sides were also left aggrieved at other decisions throughout what was a difficult match for Atkinson.

What next?

Arsenal: The Gunners face another London derby and will be looking to leapfrog West Ham United in the table when they travel to Upton Park on Sunday

QPR: QPR are also in action against another team from the capital, welcoming fellow strugglers Crystal Palace to Loftus Road.