Although Arsenal were presented with a huge gold star as Premier League champions, their glory as champions disappeared in an instant when they lost to EFL League 2 (equivalent to the 4th division) Fleetwood Town in the 4th round of the Carabao Cup. The match was played on the 27th local time, and Arsenal conceded the lead in the 21st minute, and although Viktor Gökeres scored his first goal in the 50th minute, Max Dauman was sent off in retaliation towards the end of the match, and in the penalty shootout, Bruno Guimarães conceded a fourth goal. As a result, Arsenal suffered an unexpected defeat.
According to data site Squawka, this is the first time in League Cup history that the Premier League champions have lost to an EFL League 2 club, and the second loss in Arsenal's history, following their defeat to Bradford in the 2012-13 season. After the match, captain Martin Odegaard said, ``It's a disappointing result, but I would like to congratulate Fleetwood,'' praising the excellent play of the opposing team. He also reflected on his team's play, saying, ``Today we weren't able to perform as well as we should have,'' and earnestly emphasized the need for improvement.
Despite the pain of defeat, Arsenal will face Liverpool in a big game at Anfield on November 1st. ``This is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. All we can do now is get back on our feet,'' Odegaard said, indicating his preparation for the important games coming up at the weekend. ``We have no choice but to look forward,'' he said, calling for the entire team to restore morale.
Although the defeat temporarily dented the momentum in the Premier League, it will be an important lesson for Arsenal as they look to bounce back against Liverpool. In the next match, all eyes will be on how the team, led by Odegaard, will recover and take on Liverpool.