Fleetwood Town shock Arsenal on penalties in EFL Cup

Arsenal's EFL Cup campaign ended abruptly on Tuesday night when fourth‑tier Fleetwood Town prevailed in a penalty shoot‑out at Highbury Stadium. After a 1‑1 draw in regular time, the Gunners fell 5‑3 on penalties, with Bruno Guimarães the only player to see his spot‑kick saved.

Early goal and equaliser

Fleetwood Town took the lead in the 21st minute when Aaron Loupalo‑Bi curled a shot past the Arsenal goalkeeper. The English champions responded when Viktor Gyökeres restored parity for the Gunners early in the second half, finding the net in the 50th minute. The match finished level at 1‑1 after ninety minutes, sending it straight to penalties.

Red card and penalty drama

The Gunners were reduced to ten men when Max Dowman received a red card in the 85th minute, leaving Arsenal to finish the game a man short. The ensuing shoot‑out saw Fleetwood convert five penalties while Arsenal managed only three, with Guimarães the sole miss for his side.

The encounter formed part of the fourth round of the Liga Inglesa and was played at Highbury Stadium on 27 October 2026. Fleetwood Town, a modest club from the fourth division, secured a shock victory over the English champions.

Arsenal match in the League Cup at Fleetwood halted due to drone

Six quarter‑final ties remain in the competition, with Bradford City from the third division also confirmed for the next stage alongside Fleetwood.

Arsenal fielded numerous regular starters in an attempt to avoid an upset, yet the plan proved insufficient against the determined visitors.

The defeat underscores the unpredictable nature of cup football, reminding even title‑holding sides that lower‑league opponents can deliver decisive blows.