Gunners ready to reload on the run

Arsene Wenger praised the mental strength of his forwards after Arsenal saw off QPR to make the ideal start to a demanding schedule of five matches in 17 days.

A 2-1 victory at Loftus Road on Wednesday left the Gunners' manager relieved, with his side's position in the Premier League's top four cemented before focusing on overturning a 3-1 deficit in Monaco in two weeks' time in the Champions League last-16, second-leg.

Olivier Giroud missed chances in Arsenal's home loss to Monaco which would have given the tie a different complexion at its half-way stage.