Cup football is about results, and Arsenal somewhat tortuously achieved one they required to make the last eight in Italy. However, they will need more luck in the draw as the evidence of the game in Rome suggests they would not get past any other English opponent or Barcelona. So all being well, those four teams will end up in one half of the draw.

Who played well for Arsenal? Denilson, Diaby, Toure (after his early aberration), and Sagna were the stand out players. Most of the others were at best average. It was a Roma side weakened by injuries and suspensions, fielding players who were themselves not all fit enough to play. Yet still, Arsenal struggled to score a goal.

Ultimately though, who cares for now? Players like Eduardo and Walcott will be that much more match fit by the time of the next round and must surely start after the disappointing displays of the players they came on for – Bendtner and Eboue, possibly Arsenal’s least effective players on the night alongside Gael Clichy. The left back’s distribution in the opposition half reminded me of the days of Lee Dixon. Great defender, but largely hopeless going forward. The concern about Clichy is that even his defending is beginning to look suspect. He was definitely fortunate not to concede a penalty for a shirt tug at the end of the first half. I know the lad is Arsenal through and through and 100% committed, but right now, Kiaran Gibbs should be playing, were the team selected on form.

However, these were not the only guilty players. I received a text after the game and the Wenger interview on Sky. It read –

“Both teams gave absolutely everything” Wenger must be on the wacky baccy! If that’s us giving everything we’re f***ed”

Don’t get me wrong, I am delighted Arsenal have progressed. But I can’t get carried away because in truth, Roma were very poor and yet could still easily have won this tie. There are moments in a game where opportunities allow a player with a cool head and the ability to do something clinical to make the difference. Neither side seemed to have players that were capable of that. It was the defensive-minded representatives that seemed the best on both teams. Roma were dogged, but made as many errors in possession as the visitors. Julio Baptista’s late miss brought back memories of his days in north London. What wins trophies like the Champions League is quality combined with fortune. Arsenal have the latter but nowhere near enough of the former. At least on the evidence of last night’s display.

What awaits them in the quarter finals? Well, familiar foes. Aside from the other English sides, they have met Barcelona, Bayern, Porto and Villarreal in the last four seasons, although the Gunners were a very different side when they met with Bayern in 2005 – indeed both clubs have moved into new stadiums since.

My gut instinct is this. Playing Chelsea in both the league and – if Hull are dispatched – an FA Cup semi-final, I can see another two matches against them. That’s how football seems to work. Whether these will be in the quarters or the semis remains to be seen, but if it’s to be the semis, Arsenal will need a kind draw a week tomorrow.

One good thing to come out of the last two evenings. Michel Platini will be seriously hacked off that four English sides are in the last eight!

On a far less humorous note onlinegooner received the following by email after the game:

Amongst all the mad celebrations last night, the Football Supporters' Federation (to which both Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association and the Arsenal Football Supporters' Club are affiliated) has had reports of Gooners being attacked in Rome. If anybody has detailed first hand knowledge of this, can they please get in touch with both AISA ([email protected]) and the Football Supporters Federation ([email protected])

Since then, the story has been publicized about the fan who was stabbed on an independent minibus ambushed before the game. Whether it was this incident or any other, AISA and the FSF want to compile accounts of what occurred, so please get in touch. Sadly, anyone hoping the final is moved because of this is living in dreamland.