League Two Fleetwood Town eliminated Premier League champions Arsenal from the Carabao Cup. The hosts secured a 5-3 penalty shootout victory on Tuesday. The teams finished level at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Drone Delay And Opening Goal
Referee Michael Salisbury paused the match early in the first half. He spotted a drone flying above Highbury Stadium. The players returned to the pitch eight minutes later. Fleetwood then surprised their top-flight opponents on 21 minutes. Aaron Loupalo-Bi turned past Marli Salmon and scored past Illan Meslier.
Arsenal Equalise Before Red Card
Arsenal dominated possession and found an equaliser after the break. Viktor Gyokeres scrambled the ball over the line on 50 minutes. The visitors continued to create chances but failed to convert them. Arsenal then lost Max Dowman to a red card on 85 minutes. The teenager kicked out at Harrison Neal following a tackle.
Lynch Heroics Seal Upset
The match went directly to a penalty shootout. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved a crucial spot-kick from Bruno Guimaraes. Conor Haughey then stepped up and converted the winning penalty. Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor celebrated the biggest result in the club’s history. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta lamented his team’s lack of a clinical edge.