Middlesbrough will be chasing that elusive piece of silverware when they meet Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Sunday Feb 29.
Boro have never won a major trophy in their history.
Yet after this pulsating win Steve McClaren's side must have a chance of the all-important breakthrough.
Arsenal made eight changes from the side that beat Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend.
The Gunners were also reduced to ten men when veteran defender Martin Keown was sent off for the 13th time in his career just before the break.
Yet no-one could begrudge Middlesbrough their place in the final with the prospect of European football.
The players walked off to a tremendous ovation and champagne corks were popping in the dressing room immediately after the game.
Arsenal made light of the fact that several reserves were in their side. They enjoyed the balance of play in the early stages even though Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone should have put the home side ahead.
Maccarone shot wide with a great chance and Arsenal survived when goalkeeper Graham Stack saved a close-range effort on the line.
In the 45th minute Keown was sent off for a professional foul. He brought down Maccarone as he prepared to burst through and the ref had no hesitation in showing the red card.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Arsenal piled on pressure after the break, but when a goal arrived it was at the other end.
Boudewijn Zenden, on loan from Chelsea, finished of a good move involving Maccarone and Gaizka Mendieta for a well-taken goal.
Mark Schwarzer pulled of a brilliant save from Patrick Viera before Edu equalised from close range after a Vieira header had struck the bar.
In a tense finale Middlesbrough fans chanted "We are going to Cardiff" after an own goal five minutes from time.
Jose Antonio Reyes, the Gunners' £16million signing from Sevilla, had the misfortune to put in his own net on his full debut, following a cross from Juninho.