But whilst they ended up disappointed, a few hundred miles away Portsmouth fans were doubtless celebrating. Arsenal forced to play extra time four days before a Premiership game. Lupoli, the supposed next bright young thing, plays so badly he gets subbed at half time. Ashley Cole rubbing his hamstring after the final whistle.
It's quite odd that fans are talking about the possibility of getting something at Highbury this weekend. No doubt it comes off the back of an encouraging - if ultimately fruitless - display at Manchester United at the weekend, but there's something about Arsenal at the moment that also fills most south coast onlookers with a sense of enjoyment. Hell, they're so bad they even could only draw with Southampton (for the sake of this argument we'll overlook the fact Southampton have beaten us twice this season).
Although a full preview will follow later in the week, on the back of last night's game, one can't help but take a brief glance at the upcoming fixture with added confidence (now I've gone and jinxed it). Reyes and Bergkamp are suspended but more noteworthy; Henry, Pires, Edu, Hoyte, Campbell and Silva are all struggling with injury. Henry will probably have recovered but with European competition ahead, will he be risked? Who will play up front with such a shortage of options? Just how great is it that they're going to be relying on the likes of Cygan at the back?
A lot to ponder.