Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that striker Olivier Giroud deserved to be shown his marching orders in this evening's 2-1 victory against Queens Park Rangers.

The Frenchman appeared to headbutt Nedum Onuoha right in front of referee Martin Atkinson, with his side holding a slender one-goal advantage at the time.

Tomas Rosicky looked to have put the game beyond the R's with his strike 25 minutes from time, although Charlie Austin's penalty gave the visitors hope and left Arsenal holding on for the remainder of the contest.

Speaking after the game, Wenger told BT Sport: "From the moment of the sending-off, we knew we were in a battle. It was was a deserved red card, Olivier didn't control himself.

"It completely changed the dynamic of the game, we were completely in control at that stage and it was quite comfortable. Olivier is a guy who, when he makes mistakes, he stands up and admits it."

The win lifts the Gunners to within two points of a top-four spot.