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.