Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal on penalties

Arsenal's campaign in the English League Cup ended in the round of 16 on Tuesday when fourth‑tier Fleetwood Town, positioned 18th of 24 in League Two, prevailed after a penalty shootout in which Brazilian Bruno Guimarães saw his spot‑kick saved.

Match drama and key moments

An eight‑minute stoppage caused by a drone over Highbury Stadium opened a chaotic night. Aaron Loupalo‑Bi gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, only for Gyokeres to equalise five minutes into the second half. Guimarães, one of the rested players, entered in the 82nd minute and the Gunners were reduced to ten men when Dowman was sent off in the 85th.

Fleetwood were leading 4‑3 before the Brazilian stepped up for the decisive penalty, which Lynch saw repeat Norway goalkeeper Nyland's World Cup save. The shootout finished 5‑3, sealing the upset.

Arsenal's season context

Last season's English League Cup runners‑up Arsenal are reigning English champions, level on 21 points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. They have also taken seven of the nine points available so far in the Champions League.

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

Arteta entered the match without four injured players and rested several regular starters, leaving Guimarães among those omitted from the starting eleven. Their FA Cup campaign will not begin until the second week of January.

Fleetwood Town’s historic progress was capped when Haughey scored, confirming the 18th‑placed side’s shock victory over the Gunners. The result highlights the depth of competition in England’s cup tournaments.

Fleetwood stun Arsenal on penalties in EFL Cup

Arsenal will now turn their focus to the league and upcoming European fixtures, hoping to recover from the disappointment and maintain their title challenge.