Arsenal snuck a late 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Emirates Stadium after heroics from R’s goalkeeper Julio Cesar frustrated the Gunners.
The hosts, though, were insipid for long periods of the encounter and when their late goal eventually came, via Mikel Arteta, it came by an extremely disputable offside call that left visiting manager Mark Hughes fuming.
Arsenal did create chances late in the game, particularly following the dismissal of defender Stephane M’bia for violent conduct, but Julio Cesar continued his inspired recent form to make a series of fine saves to keep the scores level before the eventual breakthrough.
The former Inter Milan keeper has saved his best performances for the biggest occasion since his arrival at Loftus Road, with Tottenham and Chelsea also frustrated by fine displays from the Brazil international.
At the other end, Arsenal defender André Santos was once more the focus of criticism with his indifferent form continuing against the Superhoops. The full-back was fortunate that QPR, in the shape of winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, were unable to take advantage of his inconsistencies.
The former Corinthians man was not aided, though, by colleague Lukas Podolski’s lack of effort in defensive areas, often leaving his full-back exposed to two opponents attacking down his flank.
