Although Robin van Persie had given Arsenal a one-goal advantage from the first leg of their last-16 clash with Roma, the dominating school of thought was that the Gunners would need to score inside the Stadio Olimpico to secure their passage through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
They made the trip to the Italian capital five years ago today in the knowledge that fellow Londoners Chelsea had been defeated there during that season's group stages.
While Van Persie's intervention meant that Arsenal did not need to win the game or even score, that lead was wiped up after just 10 minutes. Both William Gallas and Kolo Toure failed to clear Francesco Totti's low cross, which presented Brazilian defender Juan with a simple finish from close range to level up the scoreline on aggregate.
© Getty Images
The goal lifted the home supporters, which in turn inspired the players, who set about scoring a second goal. However, they would only take a one-goal winning margin into the break thanks to Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as he saved from Marco Motta and Rodrigo Taddei in quick succession.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings after the restart, but although chances were at a premium, when they were carved out Roma were wasteful. The biggest offender was former Arsenal attacker Julio Baptista, who with the goal at his mercy following a through-pass from Totti couldn't hit the target.
It meant that extra time was required and although Arsenal were on top, Arsene Wenger's side couldn't score the crucial away goal, which resulted in a penalty shootout to determine which of the two clubs would advance through to the last eight.
Substitute Eduardo da Silva went first for Arsenal, but the Croatian international's effort was palmed clear by Roma goalkeeper Doni. His blushes were spared moments later, though, when Roma striker Mirko Vucinic shot straight at Almunia.
© Getty Images
Five straight penalties were then converted, taking the shootout into sudden death. Up next was Abou Diaby, who slotted Arsenal 7-6 in front, meaning that Max Tonetto had to score to keep the home side in the contest. The one-time Italy international blazed well over the crossbar, though, to send Arsenal through.
During his post-match press conference, Wenger was full of praise for his players, saying: "After conceding an early goal and missing the first penalty, you need something special, mental strength to come back and win it. I am proud of the mental strength because it has been questioned a lot.
"I was very concerned if we were the only team to go out tonight, that it would have been detrimental to the progress of the team, so it will certainly help us to improve our confidence. The team has swum a lot against the stream. I believe this kind of result can increase the belief and the self-confidence which can help us for the rest of the season."
ROMA: Doni; Motta, Diamoutene, Juan (Baptista), Riise; Brighi (Montella), Pizarro, Tonetto, Taddei (Aquilani); Vucinic, Totti
ARSENAL: Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy; Diaby, Denilson, Eboue (Walcott), Nasri; Bendtner (Eduardo), Van Persie
Liam Apicella
