You could have been forgiven for thinking the footballing gods had it in for Arsenal on their run to the 2006 Champions League final.
Real Madrid, Juventus and the very same Villarreal who had controversially spiked Everton’s ambitions in the competition were, in that order, parked between the Gunners and a place in the European showpiece.
Arsenal beat all three powerhouse teams over two legs. And without conceding a goal, to boot.
It was a formidable effort from a fearless, imperious defensive unit. The Gunners left-back during this exceptional run was… Mathieu Flamini, a central midfielder by trade.