Sutton United's players will "go down in history" despite missing out on a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, said manager Paul Doswell.
The National League side were beaten 2-0 by Premier League visitors Arsenal, who are 105 places above Sutton on English football's ladder.
The home side had several chances, with Adam May wasting a chance and Roarie Deacon hitting the crossbar.
"This was our cup final," said Doswell. "I'm very, very proud."
The 50-year-old said it was "a dream" to watch his side play Arsenal, who face another non-league team, Lincoln, in the next round.