Theo Walcott struck his 20th goal of the season after 20 seconds as Arsenal beat relegated QPR 1-0 to return to third place in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s quickest Premier League goal and the swiftest of the season – surpassing efforts by Robin van Persie – secured Arsene Wenger’s side a straightforward win over hapless QPR, who are now without a goal in four games and six hours.
Loic Remy was denied by a fine Wojciech Szczesny save as the Gunners held on for a fifth successive away win.
It saw Arsenal to move two points clear of Chelsea, having played two games more, and Tottenham, who play at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Walcott, playing in the central role he has long coveted, troubled Rangers throughout and hit the post midway through the first half, but the visitors played well within themselves ahead of matches, with relegation-threatened Wigan and Newcastle, which will help decide whether they finish in the top four.
The build-up focused on the future of the respective managers, as both Wenger and Harry Redknapp confirmed this week they would be staying put.
Frenchman Wenger dismissed suggestions of a departure to Paris St Germain, while Redknapp reaffirmed his commitment to Rangers, insisting he would be a npower Championship boss next term.
Wenger’s immediate focus is guiding the Gunners, without Kieran Gibbs due to a slight thigh strain, into the Champions League and they began the match in fifth, following Tottenham’s win over Southampton.
Arsenal were seeking their first away win over QPR in the Premier League era and struck with the first attack.
Tomas Rosicky crossed towards Aaron Ramsey, who headed down to Mikel Arteta.
Arteta then threaded the ball through a static defence to Walcott, who had ghosted in behind and fired in a shot across goal and under Robert Green.
Walcott’s 13th Premier League goal of the season was quicker than Van Persie’s effort against Sunderland in October 2011 and the Dutchman’s strike for Manchester United against West Ham last November.
The chances of QPR responding to claim a fifth win of the season did not appear good as Arsenal had surrendered just six points from winning positions this term and were one of two teams – alongside champions Manchester United – not to have lost after taking the lead.
Gunners beat QPR 1-0 to put pressure on Chelsea
