Fleetwood stun Arsenal in penalty shootout to reach Carabao Cup quarters

By Tosin Omojola

Fleetwood Town pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Carabao Cup history, defeating Premier League champions Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals.

Mikel Arteta’s side were stunned when Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave the hosts, who are 84 places below Arsenal in the English football pyramid, a shock lead in the 21st minute.

Viktor Gyökeres equalised for the visitors after the break, but Arsenal failed to capitalise on their chances and put the game beyond Fleetwood.

The Gunners were reduced to 10 men in the 86th minute when teenage star Max Dowman kicked out after a heavy challenge by Harrison Neal.

Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch produced two superb saves in the closing stages to deny Ben White and Martin Ødegaard, sending the tie into a penalty shootout.

Lynch continued his heroics in the shootout, saving Bruno Guimarães’ spot kick before Conor Haughey converted the decisive penalty to spark wild celebrations at Highbury Stadium.

Fans flooded the pitch as Fleetwood players and supporters celebrated the remarkable victory, while manager Matt Lawlor was reduced to tears.

Fleetwood will discover their quarter-final opponents after Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash between Chelsea and Liverpool.