Olivier Giroud is mentally strong says Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Olivier Giroud has the "mental strength" to spearhead Arsenal's charge for Champions League qualification, according to Arsene Wenger.

Giroud further erased memories of his Monaco nightmare by opening the scoring as Arsenal eased past QPR 2-1 at Loftus Road - his fifth goal in his last five games.

Arsenal boss Wenger believes heavy criticism of Giroud's profligate showing in 3-1 Champions League home defeat to Monaco "was a bit harsh".

"Olivier (Giroud) has that mental strength, he's strong mentally too," he said. 

"He can take criticism and respond, and he's shown that.

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"I feel that was a bit harsh on him because he missed some chances but that can happen.

"We were all down after the Monaco game, but we responded well against Everton, and the confidence we got against Everton paid off tonight."

Wenger also hailed Sanchez, who scored the second goal, as a striker who "never gives up".

Sanchez had failed to score in seven games before firing a low drive beyond the reach of QPR goalkeeper Rob Green to double his team's lead.

"It's good because when you don't score for seven or eight games it is on your mind even if you say it's not," said Wenger of Sanchez's neat finish.

"But he took his chance well and he's tricky and has a short back-lift and scored a good goal.

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"He never gives up and that's the strength of a good striker as well."

Arsenal maintained third spot on Wednesday, but were unable to steal a march with the rest of the top four also victorious.

Wenger admitted Arsenal were "nervous" in the first half, and frustrated to turn around with the game goalless.

Charlie Austin fired a late goal for the hosts, but the Gunners were able to hold out for their 10th victory in 12 games.

"It's hot up there, yes, because everybody won tonight," said Wenger.

Giroud can take criticism and respond, and he's shown that. I feel that was a bit harsh on him because he missed some chances but that can happen.

"We can only focus on our performances and keep going.

"We have 10 games to go, six at home four away, so we can only keep going.

"I haven't studied the other teams' games, but until mid-April there are five or so teams fighting not to go down and the same fighting to get into Europe.

"Whether the other teams have easier games I don't know.

"We were nervous in the first-half I felt, and they competed physically.

"They stopped us playing all over the pitch and Sandro played a big part in that."

Meanwhile, Wenger has confirmed Spanish defender Gabriel Paulista was substituted during the first-half at Loftus Road after suffering a hamstring problem.