Arsenal kept alive their hopes

Arsenal kept alive their hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League with a narrow victory at second-bottom Middlesbrough.

A dull opening was brought to life when Alexis Sanchez's superb free-kick gave Arsenal the lead just before the break.

Middlesbrough responded soon after the restart when Alvaro Negredo volleyed in Stewart Downing's pinpoint cross.

However, Mesut Ozil secured the much-needed three points for Arsenal with a first-time strike at the near post.

The win - only Arsenal's third in their past nine league games - moves the Gunners up to sixth, seven points behind fourth-place Manchester City and with a game in hand.

Middlesbrough remain deep in relegation trouble, six points from safety.