Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy has warned his teammates that they cannot afford to lose their tempers if they are to keep up their chase for a place in the Premier League's top four this season.
The Gunners moved to within two points of the Champions League places with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Boxing Day, despite Olivier Giroud being sent off early in the second half for a headbutt on Nedum Onuoha.
Debuchy acknowledged that it was a "hard moment" for his French compatriot and has urged his teammates not to lose their temper so readily.
"Olivier did not speak in the dressing room. It is a hard moment for him," he told reporters.
"I know that from before, when I was at Newcastle, I was sent off, so have been in the same moment. It is difficult, but we are professionals and we need to keep calm.
"However, everybody has a temper, so it is not always easy, but we need to keep calm."
Arsenal are next in action against West Ham United on Sunday and will leapfrog the Hammers with victory at Upton Park.
Barney Corkhill
