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