Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign took an unexpected turn when the Premier League giants were knocked out by League Two side Fleetwood Town in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out at the club’s Highbury‑named ground. The match ended 1‑1 after 90 minutes, with Aaron Loupalo‑Bi and Viktor Gyökeres each scoring for their teams. Arsenal, who dominated possession and created several chances, were unable to convert any of them, while Fleetwood’s defence held firm and their goalkeeper Jay Lynch made crucial saves in the shoot‑out.
The game was marked by a series of unusual incidents before the whistle blew. Fleetwood’s staff had planned a festive atmosphere with pyrotechnics, but a drone hovering over the pitch forced referee Michael Salisbury to pause play. The delay lasted several minutes while officials consulted local police and the coaches, after which play was resumed. The interruption caused frustration among the Fleetwood staff, who felt their moment in the spotlight was marred by the technical mishap.
In the first half, Arsenal’s young squad was given a chance to shine. 18‑year‑old Northern Irish striker Ceadach O’Neill made his debut for the Gunners, while the likes of Martin Zubimendi, who had played in the World Cup final three months earlier, provided quality in midfield. Arsenal’s early dominance saw them create chances, but their shots lacked precision. Fleetwood’s direct style unsettled the visitors, and the home side’s disciplined defence made it difficult for Arsenal to find gaps. A notable moment came when Loupalo‑Bi, on loan from Fulham, used his body to outmuscle a defender and slot the ball past Illan Meslier, giving Fleetwood an early lead.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta made a number of substitutions in an attempt to change the game. He brought on Martin Ødegaard and Ben White, hoping the Norwegian’s creativity would unlock the Fleetwood defence. Ødegaard’s presence added urgency and coherence to the Gunners’ play, and he was instrumental in setting up a leveller for Fleetwood when O’Neill delivered a cross that Viktor Gyökeres finished home. The goal levelled the score and sent the crowd into a frenzy, with both teams fighting fiercely in the closing stages.
The second half saw Arsenal continue to press, with Eberechi Eze added to the lineup to bolster the attack. Fleetwood, however, remained resolute, defending deep and maintaining their structure. A key moment came when a 16‑year‑old defender was sent off for kicking out at Harrison Neal, leading to a melee on the touchline. Despite the disciplinary issue, Fleetwood’s goalkeeper Lynch made a sensational save from Ben White’s penalty attempt, keeping the score level and setting the stage for the shoot‑out.
In the penalty shoot‑out, Lynch proved to be the hero for Fleetwood, saving a shot from Bruno Guimarães and later a penalty from Gyökeres. The decisive moment came when 18‑year‑old Conor Haughey scored the winning penalty, sealing Fleetwood’s victory and sending the fans into a delirious pitch invasion. The match ended with Arsenal eliminated from the Carabao Cup, while Fleetwood celebrated a memorable triumph over a top‑flight opponent.