Arsenal were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after a stunning penalty shootout loss to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on Tuesday. The League Two side secured a 5-3 shootout victory after the match finished 1-1 in regulation at Highbury Stadium. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fielded a much-changed lineup, with first-team stars Declan Rice, Gabriel, and David Raya absent.
Fleetwood took the lead through Aaron Loupalo-Bi in the 21st minute, but Arsenal equalized via Viktor Gyökeres just before half-time. The game turned when Fleetwood's Max Dowman was sent off late in the second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch made crucial saves from Ben White and Martin Ødegaard during the shootout.
Fleetwood converted all their penalties to advance to the quarterfinals. This marks the first time the reigning Premier League champions have been knocked out of the League Cup by a fourth-tier side. Fleetwood goalkeeper Lynch credited the inspiration from Grimsby Town's previous upset over Manchester United.
The victory is Fleetwood's first win over a top-flight side. Arsenal's exit continues a painful trend, as they were also ousted by fourth-tier Bradford City in 2012-13.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing