Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal on penalties in Carabao Cup fourth round

Sky Sports · 2026-10-27
Fleetwood Town stun Arsenal on penalties in Carabao Cup fourth round

League Two side Fleetwood Town pulled off a monumental upset, knocking Premier League giants Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup in a tense penalty shootout. The fourth-round tie at Highbury Stadium ended level after 90 minutes, with Fleetwood holding their own against a much-changed Arsenal lineup. The shootout saw heroic saves from Fleetwood goalkeeper Alex Cairns, while Arsenal's young squad faltered under pressure, missing crucial spot-kicks. This result marks one of the biggest shocks in recent Carabao Cup history, echoing past giant-killings and highlighting the unpredictable magic of cup competitions. For Fleetwood, managed by Scott Brown, the victory is a historic milestone, propelling them into the quarter-finals and capturing national attention. For Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, it's a disappointing exit that raises questions about squad depth and focus on domestic cups. The Cod Army's triumph will be remembered for years, as they celebrate a famous night against top-flight opposition.