The Spanish side, beaten 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium back in September, have now joined Arsenal in the knockout stages and will finish top of the group if they win at Slavia Prague in a fortnight's time.

The Gunners, who host Steaua Bucharest on the same night, had not been beaten in any competition since the 1-0 Premier League defeat at home to West Ham on April 7 - a total of 28 games.

Arsenal managed to take the lead at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan with their first serious attack in the 11th minute.

Nicklas Bendtner sent in a cross from the right which found Eduardo lurking between two Sevilla defenders, and the Croatian showed good chest control before slotting the ball home at the far post.

Sevilla drew level in the 24th minute with a superb strike from midfielder Seydou Keita.

A mistake by Senderos gifted Jesus Navas possession on the right and although his low cross was cleared by Gilberto, Keita was on hand to rifle a stunning left-footed shot into the roof of Manuel Almunia's net.

Luis Fabiano made no mistake with his next opportunity soon after though as he headed Sevilla into a 34th-minute lead.

The goal stemmed from a free-kick on the right which Daniel Alves curled towards the penalty area, where his fellow Brazilian sent a glancing header past Almunia.

Arsenal felt they had good claims for a penalty in the 50th minute when Eboue went down inside the area following a challenge by Christian Poulsen.

That was again rejected by Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar though, leaving Emmanuel Eboue and Bendtner holding their heads in disbelief.

Controversy reigned in the 65th minute when referee Braamhaar awarded Sevilla a penalty following what he felt was a handball by Philippe Senderos, only to reverse his decision moments later.

Sevilla then had the chance to wrap the game up with three minutes remaining when they were awarded a spot-kick, with this one standing.

Former Tottenham striker Fredi Kanoute went tumbling under the combined challenge of Kolo Toure and Bacary Sagna as he raced to meet a Navas cross, and the Mali international picked himself up to slot home the resulting penalty and settle the outcome.