Now Dave Jones is hoping that this time he will see his team into the 5th round. He has a different squad with a different attitude than the one that narrowly lost in London in 2006.
"When we went to Highbury three years ago we set up a formation to contain Arsenal and the players did a fantastic job," said Jones.
"We have a different set of players now and they want to play to their strengths. I asked the players how they felt. Should we try to contain Arsenal or go out and be ourselves?
"Every one of them said be ourselves and play to our strengths. Within that we are playing a side who are an exceptionally good football team.
"We won't be sitting off and allowing Arsenal to pass. They are one of the top three teams in this country, if not Europe, at being able to retain possession. It's up to us to get it off them. That doesn't mean sitting off and allowing Arsenal to strut their stuff."
The boss thinks we could get a great cup tie and it offers a chance for his players to impress. He also had a little dig at those that expect City to win every game.
"Tomorrow's match is a fantastic opportunity for our players to show they can pit themselves against the best. They know what is expected. If Arsenal come out on top and we have played the best we can, nobody in this club can complain.
"All the ingredients are there for a good FA Cup tie," Jones continued. "It's something different. Knowing the levels of expectation in this part of the world, we are probably favourites. Arsenal aren't doing that well. Fourth in the Premier League isn't good enough in the eyes of some people.
"But we understand how difficult this cup tie will be tomorrow."