The Gunners were given a late scare when keeper Wojciech Szczesny was forced into a save from Loic Remy, but otherwise this was a comfortable step towards qualifying for the Champions League via a top-four finish.For QPR, there was only more disappointment following a painful week after last weekend's relegation at Reading as they slipped to the bottom of the table.
Tottenham's late victory over Southampton meant Arsenal had slipped back to fifth spot by the time they kicked off, but the news from White Hart Lane provided extra motivation for Wenger's men. They were ahead in quick time after unpicking the Rangers defence with a deceptively simple move that was capped by Walcott's right-footed finish for his 20th goal of the season.
The home side had touched the ball just once before Tomas Rosicky's right wing cross found Aaron Ramsey who headed down into the path of Mikel Arteta.The midfielder feigned to shoot, wrong-footing centre back Clint Hill, then slipped the ball to Walcott breaking inside the area and the winger's shot was powerful enough to find the net despite the efforts of keeper Robert Green.
Walcott had scored after just two minutes against Manchester United last time out but the Gunners had been unable to hold onto the lead with the newly crowned champions recovering to force a draw.This time, though, they were facing a side recently condemned to the Championship and the pattern of the first half suggested they were unlikely to suffer a similar disappointment. Arsenal were in complete control and should have added a second long before the interval.
In the 26th minute, Walcott produced a shot on the turn that struck the woodwork and would have led to the visitors' second had Rosicky followed up with more determination. QPR offered little by way of response and their efforts were summed up when Remy shot wastefully wide from 35 yards when he had team-mates in support. Park Ji-Sung did little better when he found space inside the Arsenal penalty area only to send his effort high over Szczesny's crossbar.
Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes had led the inquests into the club's failure to stay out of the bottom three this season, condemning the efforts of some of the expensive recruits as unacceptable and there was little during the opening 45 minutes to suggest the chairman's view was misguided. Harry Redknapp attempted to spark his side into life with the half-time introduction of Shaun Derry for the unimpressive Stephane Mbia. The changes appeared to have the desired effect as QPR finally showed signs they could yet go down fighting.
Andros Townsend tested the Arsenal goalkeeper with a powerful 25-yard shot that Szczesny was forced to punch away. The revival didn't last however, and it was Green who was by far the busier keeper as the second half progressed. The England international, recalled in place of Julio Cesar who was missing from the home squad after a week in which he has been linked with a move to Arsenal, was twice called into action, first to deny Santi Cazorla and then yet another effort from Walcott. Arsenal maintained control and apart from Remy's effort, they secured the points with ease.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said was quick to acknowledge it was not an easy game at the end of the game: "It was a very difficult game and the three points are absolutely vital. The focus was very good."
Two more crucial games left for Arsenal to clinch a champions league spot as its certain one of Chelsea or Spurs or even both will drop points when they both clash mid week, but Arsenal will play next in 10 days time.
Harry Redknapp:
"When you go 1-0 down to Arsenal in the first minute then you fear the worse, but I felt we played every bit as well as them.
"I felt we were always a threat and Andros Towsend was outstanding. I don't know where we'll get another Townsend from, he'll go back to Tottenham a better play.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge next season. I went to watch a (Championship) game today because we're going to be in that division next season."
Theo Walcott & Mikel Arteta Post Match Reaction
Match Facts and Stats
1. Theo Walcott's strike after 20 seconds is Arsenal's fastest in the Premier League era which beat Robin van Persie's deflected goal after 32 seconds for Manchester United against West Ham this season.
2. Only five players have been subbed off more often in a single PL season than Lukas Podolski's 21 in 2012-13.
3. Arsenal have won 10, drawn three and lost just one of their last 14 Premier League games.
4. Arsenal have now won all eleven Premier League games where they have been ahead at half-time this season.
5. Arsenal have won four in a row away from home for the first time since 2010. They haven't won five in a row since Sep 2004.
6. Match Stats FT Stats QPR v Arsenal Shots 13-12 On target 4-7, Fouls 8-9 Duels Won 43%-57%, Pass Accuracy 76%-84%, Possession 41%-59%
7. Arsenal have scored 18 goals in the final fifteen minutes of matches this campaign; the most in the division.
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