Fourth-Tier Fleetwood Stun Arsenal in League Cup

Fourth-tier minnows Fleetwood produced one of the most astonishing upsets in League Cup history on Tuesday, knocking Premier League champions Arsenal out 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta paid a heavy price for making nine squad changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool.

Fleetwood forward Aaron Loupalo-Bi capitalised on an error by 17-year-old defender Marli Salmon to put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute.

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Viktor Gyokeres levelled for Arsenal early in the second half, but the Gunners suffered another setback when 16-year-old Max Dowman received a straight red card for violent conduct in the 85th minute.

Fleetwood held firm through regulation before securing their historic victory in the penalty shoot-out. Jay Lynch saved Bruno Guimaraes’ spot kick, setting up Conor Haughey to net Fleetwood’s winning penalty and trigger a jubilant pitch invasion at Highbury Stadium.

Fourth-Tier Fleetwood stun Arsenal in League Cup (News Central TV) — Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Fourth Round – Fleetwood Town v Arsenal – Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood, Britain – October 27, 2026. Fleetwood Town’s Rhys Bennett and teammates celebrate winning the penalty shootout. Credit: REUTERS/Jon Super

Reflecting the magnitude of the League Two side’s triumph, emotional Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor wept tears of joy as fans stormed the field.

The loss marks one of the most embarrassing defeats of the Arteta era, joining notorious historical cup exits against Swindon, Wrexham, and Bradford.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.