Fleetwood knock Arsenal out of the League Cup on penalties

Fantastic Fleetwood eliminated Arsenal on penalties in the League Cup after the match finished 1-1. Fleetwood converted all five of its attempts in a shootout it won 5-3, completing a striking victory over Arsenal.

Arsenal initially controlled possession but struggled to threaten the Fleetwood goal. Martin Zubimendi, who had played in the World Cup final three months earlier, was part of a midfield that helped Arsenal dominate the ball in the opening stages. Arsenal later took control and equalised, but could not find a winner before the end of normal time.

At half-time, Arteta brought on Martin Ødegaard and Ben White. Arsenal then moved the ball with greater cohesion, with Ødegaard helping to give the visitors’ play more structure. Eberechi Eze also came on with 25 minutes remaining as Arsenal sought to turn the match in its favour.

After the 90-minute mark, Ben White looked to have won it for Arsenal, but Jay Linch kept out his effort. The Fleetwood goalkeeper then denied Gyökeres soon afterwards in stoppage time. Arsenal could not find the goal that would have spared them a penalty shootout.

Fleetwood scored all five of its penalties through Coughlan, Neal, Davies, Cannon and Haughey. The tie was therefore decided 5-3 from the spot after the 1-1 draw in normal time. The upset came despite Arsenal’s league form: the club sat second in the Premier League with 21 points after eight matches, having won seven, drawn one and lost one. In its five most recent league games, Arsenal had four wins and one defeat.