A late Mikel Arteta strike helped Arsenal record a narrow victory over 10-man Queens Park Rangers at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

© PA Photos

The Spaniard headed home from close range six minutes from time, shortly after Stephane Mbia had been given his marching orders for violent conduct.

Olivier Giroud, Andre Santos and the returning Jack Wilshere all registered efforts on target as the Gunners bossed an uneventful first half.

The Hoops improved after the break and had the ball in the net on 54 minutes, but Junior Hoilett's superb lob was correctly ruled out for offside.

Moments later, the visitors threatened again. Shaun Wright-Phillips's low cross was crucially intercepted by Thomas Vermaelen with Bobby Zamora waiting to pounce.

Arsenal soon regained the initiative, Santi Cazorla and Giroud both creating - and spurning - good chances.

QPR were forced to play out the final 10 minutes a man down when Mbia was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Vermaelen.

It took Arsenal just four minutes to make their numerical advantage count, Arteta heading the ball over the line from point-black range after Cesar had done brilliantly to deny Giroud and Aaron Ramsey.

Jamie Mackie missed a golden chance to earn a point for his side in stoppage time, when he fired straight at Vito Mannone from five yards.