Gunners Hold Their Nerve

ARSENAL are through to the Champions League quarterfinals after surviving a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Roma.

The Gunners were second best for most of the game but Max Tonetto missed his spot kick to put Arsene Wenger's team into the last eight.

Eduardo saw his opening effort saved by Alexander Doni, but Mirko Vucinic stabbed his straight at Manuel Almunia three kicks later. Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Julio Baptista, Samir Nasri, Vincenzo Montella and Denilson all scored, before Francesco Totti stepped up to send the shoot-out into sudden death at 4-4.

Kolo Toure coolly dispatched his effort, as did Sagna and then John Arne Riise and Alberto Aquilani did the same for Roma.

With the tally at 6-6, Diaby slotted home before the pressure got to Tonetto as he blazed the ball over to send the travelling Gunners fans into euphoria.

Arsenal boss Wenger hailed his team’s mental strength following their shoot-out triumph.

He said: “We needed to show our nerve tonight and determination.

“We were a bit nervous at the start and gave a goal away more by nerves than them creating the chance.

“I must pay tribute to the nerves of my team. There is something in there that comes out, that is huge mental strength.

“Our character has been questioned many times. I’ve said many times that this team is very strong.

“It was a very edgy game to manage for both managers. I must say they played very well.

“It was very hard because 10 minutes before half-time we were just desperate to equalise that we opened ourselves up to counter-attacks. That’s what they wanted.

“We had to be structured but that was hard because they defended so well."

This season’s Champions League final will be played at the Stadio Olimpico, but Ivory Coast defender Toure believes his side will have to improve if they are to return for the showpiece match on May 27.

He said: “The first 10 minutes was not very good. We didn’t pass the ball very well.

“As the game went on we played better, but we couldn’t score the goal that would send us through.

“There are some very good teams out there. We will need to play better than tonight.”

Spanish stopper Almunia also praised the spirit of his side.

He made just one save in the penalty shoot-out to deny Vucinic, but it was enough as the Gunners’ spot-kick takers held their nerve before Tonetto sent the decisive 16th penalty high over the crossbar.

Almunia said: “My heart was nearly out. I’m sorry I couldn’t have saved more than one.

"In the end it was enough and I am so happy to go through to the next round.

“Roma took some good penalties. It was difficult to save them as they have so much quality.

“I’m just so happy for my team-mates because they kept their nerve and showed their maturity in the penalty shoot-out. I’m proud.”