Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal, who are knocked out of League Cup by fourth-tier side on penalties

Fleetwood secure the upset

Fleetwood, who were 18th in League Two and had lost their previous two league matches, held their own against Arsenal. The sides were level after the match, sending the League Cup last-16 tie to penalties.

Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes saw his attempt saved by Jay Lynch. Conor Haughey converted the decisive kick for Fleetwood, who won the shootout 5-3.

Arsenal reduced to ten

Earlier, Arsenal had dominated possession after Fleetwood went ahead, but Mikel Arteta showed frustration with his side’s lack of cutting edge. A scrappy goal involving Gyokeres and O’Neill brought Arsenal back into the contest, though Fleetwood felt the decision was harsh.

A defeat with history

The loss ended Arsenal’s run of 11 wins in their previous 13 games. The club had also lost to second-tier Southampton in last season’s FA Cup and to Nottingham Forest, then in the Championship, in the 2022 competition.

Arsenal supporters may also recall defeats to third-tier Swindon in the 1969 League Cup final and fourth-tier Wrexham in the 1992 FA Cup. Fleetwood’s ground is also named Highbury, like Arsenal’s former home before the club moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.