The Gunners' wing wizard was the only Englishman to take part in Wednesday's dramatic Champions League last 16 penalty-shootout in Rome, which Arsene Wenger's side won 7-6.
He successfully converted his spot-kick, although Roma goalkeeper Doni came close to keeping the ball out.
"I had a dry throat going towards the goal but I didn't look at the goalkeeper once. I learned that from James Beattie," he said.
"He's probably one of the best penalty takers I have seen. I have watched him over the years and mine wasn't as good a penalty as his but they all count.
"I didn't want the goalkeeper to make eye contact with me because sometimes they might put you off a little bit. Plus he was a big lad. It's all about positive thinking and it counted in the end.
"To be fair, it was a really good experience for me. It was the first penalty shootout I have ever done."
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