Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal on penalties to reach Carabao Cup quarter-finals

Fleetwood Town completed a remarkable Carabao Cup upset by defeating reigning Premier League champions Arsenal in a penalty shootout and securing a place in the quarter-finals.

The League One side, 84 places below Arsenal in the English football pyramid, took a surprise lead in the 21st minute when Aaron Loupalo-Bi scored for the hosts.

That left Mikel Arteta’s team facing the unexpected prospect of an early exit against lower-league opposition. Arsenal responded after half-time, with Viktor Gyokeres restoring parity.

The visitors created further chances but were unable to find a second goal during normal time, allowing Fleetwood to remain in contention as the tie moved towards penalties.

Arsenal’s challenge became more difficult four minutes from the end when teenage midfielder Max Dowman was sent off. He received a red card for kicking out after a heavy challenge by Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Arsenal might still have settled the match before the shootout. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch made important late saves to keep out efforts from Ben White and Martin Odegaard.

Those interventions ensured the contest was decided from the penalty spot, where Lynch again made the difference. He saved Bruno Guimaraes’ attempt to give Fleetwood the advantage.

Conor Haughey then converted the decisive penalty, triggering celebrations at Highbury Stadium. Fleetwood supporters ran on to the pitch while manager Matt Lawlor broke down in tears at the significance of the League One club’s achievement.

Fleetwood Town will learn their quarter-final opponents after Wednesday’s match between Chelsea and Liverpool. The draw is scheduled to take place after that fixture.