Arsenal vs QPR player ratings: Could anyone outshine new Gunners hero Alexis Sanchez and who was worse than villain Olivier Giroud?

Man-for-man marking from the Emirates Stadium where 10-man Arsenal held on to 2-1 victory

Alexis Sanchez missed a penalty before scoring the opening goal with a header at the back post (Getty Images)

Arsenal recovered from last week's draw with Liverpool to hold on to a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers despite having Olivier Giroud sent-off for an indefensible head-butt on QPR defencer Nedum Onouha.

Alexis Sanchez missed a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes as his tame effort was easily saved by a diving Robert Green, but the Chilean made no mistake later on in the half as his own dive produced a header at the back-post that found the back of the net. The goal took his Premier League tally into double figures and he continued to torment the Rangers defence throughout.

Arsenal 2 QPR 1 match report

But despite Arsenal's domination, they were unable to add to their lead, and when Giroud was brought down by Onouha, he reacted in a moment of madness by thrusting his forehead into that of the English centre-back.

Even though they were down to 10-men, Arsenal still pushed forward, and a lovely run by Sanchez saw him lay the ball on to Tomas Rosicky to fire home and double the lead.

QPR threatened a fightback when they won a penalty that Charlie Austin duly converted, but the Gunners managed to hold on.

So how did each player rate at the Emirates on Boxing Day?

Click on the gallery below to find out.

Who do you think was the star man? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.