Arsenal were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a dramatic 5‑3 penalty‑shootout defeat to Fleetwood Town, the League Two club that had taken the lead in regulation and held on until the final moments. The match, played at Highbury Stadium, ended 1‑1 after 90 minutes, with Fleetwood’s teenage defender Conor Haughey converting the decisive spot‑kick to secure the upset. The result marks the first time a reigning Premier League champion has been knocked out of the League Cup by a fourth‑tier side, a gap of 84 levels in the English football pyramid.
Arsenal entered the game without several key first‑team players, including Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya. Manager Mikel Arteta still fielded a strong squad, adding captain Martin Ødegaard at halftime when Fleetwood were leading 1‑0. The Gunners’ only goal came in the 50th minute when Viktor Gyökeres, who had yet to score in the season, managed to find the net. Despite a resurgence in the second half, Arsenal were unable to convert their chances and were further hampered when teenage midfielder Max Dowman was sent off with five minutes remaining. Arteta later described the day as “really sad,” noting that the team had “so much of the ball, had so many chances, so many shots” but failed to finish.
Fleetwood’s victory was built on a solid defensive performance and a disciplined penalty routine. Jay Lynch saved Bruno Guimarães’ spot‑kick, and the League Two side hit the net from the spot on every attempt, including Haughey’s winning penalty. “We just wanted to see what happens,” said Lynch after the match, recalling the inspiration he drew from Grimsby Town’s win over Manchester United last season. The win propels Fleetwood into the Carabao Cup quarter‑finals for the first time in club history.
Arteta praised his players’ attitude but admitted the team had not capitalised on the opportunities they created. “Football is about that,” he said, reflecting on the missed chances. For Arsenal, the loss is a rare setback in a competition where they have previously only been eliminated by fourth‑tier teams once before, in 2013 by Bradford City. The club will now focus on their upcoming league fixtures, while Fleetwood look ahead to the next round of the cup.