QPR 0 Arsenal 1: Theo Walcott struck his 20th goal of the season after 20 seconds as Arsenal beat relegated QPR 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 saw 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.