FLEETWOOD: Fleetwood Town defeated Arsenal 5-3 on penalties on Tuesday after a 1-1 draw, eliminating the Premier League champions and advancing to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved the fourth penalty taken by Arsenal’s Bruno Guimarães. Fleetwood defender Conor Haughey then scored the winning penalty at Highbury Stadium.
Aaron Loupalo-Bi opened the scoring for Fleetwood in the 21st minute, skillfully turning Arsenal defender Marli Salmon before finishing past goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
Viktor Gyökeres equalised five minutes after half-time, but Arsenal failed to capitalise on their superior possession. Manager Mikel Arteta introduced Martin Ødegaard at half-time, and the visitors created several opportunities to take the lead.
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Lynch produced late saves to keep Fleetwood level. Arsenal’s hopes suffered another setback when 16-year-old Max Dowman received a straight red card late in the second half.
Referee Michael Salisbury dismissed the teenager after he kicked out following a challenge by Harrison Neal. Earlier, officials briefly stopped play when a drone flew above the stadium.
The interruption lasted approximately eight minutes. Fleetwood converted all five penalties in the shootout, while Guimarães was the only Arsenal player to miss.
The League Two club entered the contest 84 places below Arsenal in the English football pyramid. Fleetwood’s victory secured their first quarter-final appearance.
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Supporters ran onto the pitch after Haughey’s decisive penalty, while manager Matt Lawlor joined his players in the celebrations.
Fleetwood will discover their quarter-final opponents in Wednesday’s draw, scheduled after Liverpool’s match against Chelsea.
With additional input from BBC Sport and The Guardian.
