Arsenal fire from Marlet’s shoulder

Arsenal’s victory took them to 26 points, four adrift of leaders Liverpool, who beat West Ham United 2-0 on Saturday. Manchester United, 2-1 winners over Southampton on Saturday, are third on 22.

Chelsea lie fourth and Tottenham fifth, both on 20 points. Seventh-placed Blackburn Rovers have the chance to go above both London clubs when they host Aston Villa later on Sunday. Other later games feature Leeds United at home to Everton and Charlton Athletic against Sunderland.

Arsenal had lost twice in the Champions League and twice in the league and desperately needed to end the run to close the gap on Liverpool.

Manager Arsene Wenger said he was not worried but his side looked a little edgy all afternoon at Loftus Road .

They took the lead in the 31st minute when French striker Marlet attempted to clear a low Thierry Henry corner but only succeeded in slicing the ball into his own net.

Edwin van der Sar made sharp saves to deny Freddie Ljungberg twice and Henry as Arsenal enjoyed the better of the first half.

Ireland striker Robbie Keane headed wide when well placed but Spurs’ best chance of the first half was a dipping 20-metre volley by Jamie Redknapp that Carlo Cudicini brilliantly tipped over in the 25th minute.

Chelsea also looked lively, with Spanish midfielder Enrique De Lucas over-running the ball when clean through late in the first half. (Reuters)