Arsenal fell agonisingly short of an historic comeback after they beat AC Milan 3-0 at the Emirates tonight, but went out of the Champions League 4-3 on aggregate.
Following their 4-0 thrashing at the San Siro in the first leg, the Gunners would have had to defy the record books to progress into the last eight of the competition.
No side has ever overturned a four-goal deficit in Champions League history, but Laurent Koscielny gave Arsenal hope when he gave them a seventh-minute lead.
With the Milan defence seemingly shaken by the early goal, Robin van Persie nearly made it 2-0 but he saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Christian Abbiati.
The hosts did find a second soon after though, with Tomas Rosicky netting to prompt rumblings of a remarkable turnaround.
Having been written off by many before the game, Arsenal increased the possibility of a staggering comeback when Robin Van Persie scored a third from the penalty spot.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was fouled in the box by Phillipe Mexes and the Gunners' captain converted the spot kick.
With one more goal required to cancel out the deficit, Arsenal pushed and pushed for a fourth but fatigue set in to leave them just short.
Joe Fish
