It had to be penalties didn’t it?

Phil Parkinson’s men, amid extraordinary scenes, booked their place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

It was a ninth successive penalty shoot-out win for City and just reward for their remarkable resilience.

Not much has gone right for the Bantams since those two heady years in the top flight just over a decade ago.

Two administrations, three relegations and six years and counting in English football’s basement division.

Yet last night the nation was given amazing confirmation of the steady renaissance taking place under Parkinson’s astute guidance.

When the outstanding Nahki Wells drew a free-kick from Thomas Vermaelen in the 16th minute, and Gary Jones’ right-wing delivery was volleyed home at the far post by Garry Thompson, the heart of all City supporters soared.

Arsene Wenger’s aristocrats, who rolled out nearly all their big guns such as England starlet Jack Wilshere, were made to look ordinary for much of the evening.

City took a 1-0 lead into the break and deservedly so, warming the cockels of their supporters on a bitterly cold Yorkshire night.

Wenger, who was taunted by City fans as he alighted Arsenal’ team bus 90 minutes before kick-off, cut an uncomfortable figure for long periods.

“You’re getting sacked in the morning!” was the chant from the Bantams faithful to a man who has not delivered a trophy since 2005.

Wenger’s men finally fashioned a reply three minutes from time when Vermaelen headed home at the far post.

That was harsh on City, who nevertheless went on to win their latest spot-kick shoot-out amid incredible scenes.

Wenger played something pretty close to his full-strength team, a rich tribute to Parkinson’s men on City’s biggest night for years.

Yet the Bantams, in their 31st game of an amazing campaign, simply refused to acknowledge the apparent gulf in class.

They came within two minutes of their most famous victory since David Wetherall’s header put paid to Liverpool in May 2000.

City have suffered a long and painful fall from grace since that memorable afternoon.

That cannot be denied.

Yet the progress they have made under Parkinson this season has encouraged hopes of climbing out of League Two.

Parkinson arrived in Bradford with ambition coursing through his veins 16 months ago to replace Peter Jackson.

Make no mistake, City were in a mess back then.

Turning round that shambles was always going to take some doing.

But the former midfielder has gradually stopped the rot, restored belief and assembled a squad the envy of every manager in the bottom tier.

City do play the right way under Parkinson and it is to be hoped that many of the floating voters who only turned up because of the occasion last night will return on a regular basis.

Every seat in the house was taken and the atmosphere was raucous in a welcome reminder of those heady days of the not-too-distant past.

Ambition pulsed around Valley Parade louder than any point during the past decade.

Desire was both visible and audible among Parkinson, his players and, not least, the capacity 23,971 crowd.

“City till I die!” belted out the Kop, who were in fine voice throughout despite the sub-zero temperatures.

At times during the opening exchanges, City seemed prepared to doff their cap to the London millionaires.

Wilshere, arguably England’s finest young talent, tigerishly patrolled the middle of the park.

Early on Arsenal popped the ball around with a swagger that suggested a long night ahead for Gary Jones, Nathan Doyle and Co.

Yet, as is so often the case with the Gunners, they struggled to make their neat approach play pay.

And it soon became apparent that Parkinson has shaped a team in his own image; disciplined, organised, well-motivated. Ambitious.

His men got the goal they craved in the 16th minute, from a man who was shown the door by Scunthorpe United in the summer.

Arsenal gradually steadied themselves and hit the post through Francis Coquelin before Verm- aelen’s late header from Santi Carzola’s cross ensured the tie went to extra-time.

From there it was anyone’s game, especially after Cazorla struck the bar from distance.

But City have developed a liking for penalties and victory was rightly theirs, winning 3-2 after more heroics from Matt Duke.

Cue delirium.

And a place in the League Cup semi-finals for the first time.