Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round, following a 5–3 penalty defeat to Fleetwood Town. The match ended in a 1–1 draw after 90 minutes, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring the Gunners' first goal of the season. The episode also saw the dismissal of Max Dowman, who received a red card for a foul against Harrison Neal, causing Arsenal to play with ten men in the final minutes.
After the match, manager Mikel Arteta addressed the press, starting with a compliment to Fleetwood: "First of all, congratulations to Fleetwood for the way they won and the atmosphere they created." He then reiterated that he had nothing to reproach the players for the intensity shown, whether with 11 or 10 men. "When you create the amount of shots and chances, you have to capitalize. If you don't, the margins disappear," he said, underlining that the probability of going through the penalty shootout was low but that football always allows a chance of exit.
Arteta explained the referee's decision to send off Dowman, stating that he had not reviewed the episode and that from the shots it was not possible to fully understand what happened. He added that despite the reduction, Arsenal had had three great chances to score. On the emotional topic, he said: "We know that when we prepare the context of the match we are very clear about what to expect. From an emotional point of view we have to dominate."
Regarding the absent players, Arteta confirmed that Calafiori was out, Madueke had an ankle problem and Declan Rice had suffered a nuisance the other day, which is why he was replaced. He did not reveal details about any discussions with players leaving the field.
The London club have already launched an appeal against Dowman's red card. Next week, Arsenal will face Liverpool in a Premier League clash, while the club will have to manage the disciplinary situation and the absence of some key players.