Striker Olivier Giroud will miss Arsenal’s New Year’’s Day trip to Saints after being sent off this evening for a reckless headbutt.
The Frenchman, whose two goals at The Emirates last season gave Arsenal a 2-0 win against Saints, will be serving the second game of a three-match suspension at St Mary’s.
Giroud was dismissed as Arsenal held on to beat QPR 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium and close back up on the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
The Gunners were in cruise control following Alexis Sanchez's 10th league goal on 37 minutes, the Chilean having seen a tame early penalty saved.
However, a rush of blood from Giroud at the start of the second half reduced Arsenal to 10 men.
The Frenchman charged into Nedum Onuoha, the defender hitting the ground in front of the referee.
Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, making a first start of the season, swept in a second on the break before ex-Poole Town striker Charlie Austin set up a tense finale when he converted a penalty with 11 minutes left.
Unlike at Liverpool last weekend, Arsenal held on under late pressure to move within two points of Saints and one behind fifth-placed West Ham, whom they play on Sunday.
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