Carabao Cup: Arsenal knocked out by fourth-tier club

27.10.26 AP EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)

Fleetwood

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Arsenal

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Arsenal are out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round. The London club were eliminated by Fleetwood Town, a League Two side, after the hosts won a penalty shootout.

The hierarchy of English football was turned on its head on Tuesday, October 27. While Arsenal play in the Premier League, Fleetwood Town occupy 18th place in League Two, the fourth tier of the national game. That gap did not prevent the hosts from causing a surprise in this knockout competition.

Jay Lynch, Fleetwood’s hero

The penalty shootout decided the outcome of the match. Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved Bruno Guimarães’s attempt. That save put the hosts in a favourable position in the decisive shootout.

Conor Haughey then converted the winning penalty. Fleetwood Town scored all five of their attempts, compared with three for Arsenal, who missed one. That success secured one of the most remarkable cup victories in the English club’s history.

Read also: Arsenal beat Everton and join Manchester City

Arsenal’s run comes to an end

The elimination represents a setback for the Gunners, the reigning English champions. The London club are out of a competition that traditionally gives less prominent sides the opportunity to challenge elite teams.

Fleetwood Town, meanwhile, continue their run after already overcoming several obstacles. The club had notably secured a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the previous round before knocking out Arsenal.

For the Fleetwood players, this qualification will remain a memorable achievement. The League Two club have knocked out one of the powerhouses of English football and can now turn their attention to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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