giroud
Olivier Giroud headed home a goal to put Arsenal in front against Queens Park Rangers. Reuters

Second-half goals by Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez helped lift Arsenal to a victory over relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday night at Loftus Road, 2-1. The victory extended the Gunners' Premier League winning streak to four games.

Giroud got the Gunners on the scoreboard in the 65th minute, pouncing on a loose ball from close range after a shot by left back Kieran Gibbs was blocked. Five minutes later, it was Sanchez's turn, and the Chilean winger delivered a solid shot from roughly the same spot, using a crossover to avoid the QPR defense before unleashing a right-footed strike past Robert Green on the near post.

But QPR kept things interesting in the final minutes. Charlie Austin cut into Arsenal's lead with a stunning right-footed shot from beyond the box in the 82nd minute. QPR's leading scorer also had an excellent opportunity in the 37th minute, but his right-footed strike was just wide as it caressed the post.

The loss keeps Chris Ramsey's squad in the relegation zone and three points behind Aston Villa for 17th place.

Arsenal maintained their third-place spot in the Premier League, but failed to add distance ahead of Manchester United, who managed a 1-0 victory over Newcastle with an Ashley Young goal in the 89th minute. First-place Chelsea and second-place Manchester City also earned victories.

Arsene Wenger's side were dealt another injury blow as center back Gabriel suffered what is believed to be a muscular injury in only his second start for Arsenal. He was subbed out of the match in the 37th minute for Laurent Koscielny.

Up next for the Gunners is an FA Cup quarterfinals match with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, followed by a Premier League match against West Ham on March 14 at the Emirates. Things will remain difficult for QPR with another London derby, as they host Tottenham on Saturday.

Olivier Giroud Goal QPR 0 - 1 Arsenal Premier...by funnyno1

Alexis Sanchez Goal QPR 0 - 2 Arsenal Premier...by goals5

Charlie Austin Goal ~ QPR 1-2 Arsenal ~ 04/03...by rubin7190