Olivier Giroud scored his fifth goal in as many games as Arsenal held onto third place with a 2-1 victory at relegation-threatened QPR.
The French striker was heavily criticised for missing several chances in the 3-1 Champions League defeat by Monaco earlier this month, but has since responded with goals against Everton and London rivals QPR.
Alexis Sanchez ended a goal drought going back to January as the Gunners doubled their advantage before Charlie Austin's late strike ensured a nervy finish.
In a somewhat dull first half QPR goalkeeper Rob Green kept out Olivier Giroud on a few occasions while his opposite number, David Ospina, made a comfortable save to deny Bobby Zamora.
The highlight of the first half, especially from an Arsenal point of view, was a lovely one-touch passing move from the visiting players. Unfortunately for the Gunners Santi Cazorla couldn't end it with a goal as his volley was well saved by Green.
Both sides lost players to injury before the break with Arsenal new-boy Gabriel Paulista being forced off after 36 minutes before Nedum Onuoha had to be substituted by the hosts in stoppage time.
Arsenal came out in a more determined and attacking mood after the break and nearly broke the deadlock within two minutes of the restart. Tomas Rosicky made a good run into the box before crossing for Sanchez, but the Chilean's effort was saved by Green.
Sanchez was again in the thick of the action soon after as he latched onto Mesut Ozil's pass before rolling a shot wide.
The visitors continued to pour forward and were eventually rewarded when Giroud opened the scoring after 64 minutes. Sanchez ran at the defence before threading the ball through to Kieran Gibbs. The left-back's cross was only half-blocked and Giroud reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball.
Robert Green kept QPR in the game with two fine saves to deny Sanchez soon after but the former Barcelona man was not to be denied next time around. Sanchez beat two defenders before running into the box and, when everyone was waiting for him to pull the ball back, he instead somehow squeezed a shot in from a tight angle.
Arsenal really should've added a third but, after Rosicky's effort was blocked, Green produced a superb save to touch Ozil's follow-up onto a post.
Just as the Gunners appeared to be cruising QPR reduced the deficit eight minutes from time. Austin took the ball down excellently before turning and firing a shot beyond Ospina.
Fortunately QPR were unable to find that all important equaliser and Arsene Wenger's men held on for a fourth consecutive league victory.
It was another positive result for Arsenal but the Gunners will have to drastically up their performance levels ahead of their crunch clash at Manchester United in the quarter final of the FA Cup.
The next game is set to be a truly mouth-watering contest for the Gunners and, if we can match our last performance against United, we may yet be able to beat them. Home advantage puts Manchester United as favourites to come out on top in my opinion but as holders we have a duty to go out there and produce a strong performance to ensure we keep a firm grip on the trophy.
It is going to be a tough one to call but we really must ensure we put in one hell of a performance so that no matter what our fans can be left feeling proud with the efforts. So let's go to Old Trafford with nothing to fear and see what happens. Que sera sera!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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