Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal on penalties in League Cup
On Tuesday evening, October 27, 2026, the Gunners sent a bitter defeat their way in the round of 16 of the English League Cup, as fourth‑tier side Fleetwood Town beat them 3‑5 in the penalty shoot‑out. The match at Highbury Stadium was also interrupted by a drone for about eight minutes.
Drone deployment interrupts the match
The interruption occurred after an unmanned aircraft was spotted over the stadium. After about a minute of play, the referee stopped the game, and action only resumed after an eight‑minute pause. According to the BBC, the drone then crashed into a nearby residential area.
Early goal gives Fleetwood the lead
In the 21st minute, Aaron Loupalo‑Bi gave the hosts the lead by sliding the ball beneath Arsenal goalkeeper Illan Meslier. With the swift finish, he put the underdog early in the spotlight.
Just a few minutes after the break, in the 50th minute, Viktor Gyökeres equalised for the Londoners after a cross from O’Neill was deflected and he tucked the ball away in the penalty area.
Drone halts Arsenal cup tie for eight minutes
Shortly thereafter, 16‑year‑old Max Dowman had to leave the field due to a hard foul, and Arsenal continued with ten men. Coach Mikel Arteta responded by bringing on Ben White and Martin Ødegaard to inject fresh impetus.
Penalty shoot‑out seals the Gunners' defeat
In the shoot‑out, Jay Lynch was the hosts' hero, saving the only attempt from Bruno Guimarães. While the other five penalties from Fleetwood were converted flawlessly, Guimarães missed his, and Jurriën Timber completely abstained from taking a kick.
After the decisive kick, the fans stormed the pitch shouting: “Glory, glory, Fleetwood Town!”. The pitch invasion reflected the excitement over the historic exit of England's football champions.
The victory of an 18th‑placed fourth‑tier side over the reigning Premier League champions is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in the English League Cup. For the Gunners, the exit means the premature end of their cup campaign.