For Arsenal fans, it may also be the game that proved to be the turning point.
Not just because they can now go on to win this competition and end what will be an eight-year drought come the final on February 24.
But because boss Arsene Wenger MUST now break the bank to keep superstar Theo Walcott at Arsenal.
At ALL cost.
One of the most humiliating nights in Wenger’s 16-year reign turned into one of the greatest — thanks to Walcott’s hat-trick.
Those who were here will be able to tell their grandkids about the night Arsenal came back from the dead on a Tuesday at Reading.
Amazingly, drawing level from 4-0 down. Astonishingly, going 5-4 up. Unbelievably, 7-5 winners. Even Marouane Chamakh became a hero as he put Arsenal in front in extra-time and hit their seventh.
But that was after the Gunners managed one of the great escapes.
The Royals faithful must take heart because their team was magnificent. In the first half, anyway.
Make no mistake, manager Brian McDermott’s side handed Arsenal a Royal hiding for much of the opening 45 minutes.
But even the staunchest of Gunners will admit their side’s comeback, in a crazy sort of way, almost made up for the humiliation they suffered. Arsenal were made to look a farcical lot by a newly-promoted side currently in the Prem’s bottom three.
