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Arsenal knocked out by fourth-tier Fleetown in Carabaa Cup shock

By Drooid · · How we work

In this breakdown

01

The match outcome

On October 27, 2026 at Fleetwood’s Highbury Stadium, Premier League champions Arsenal were eliminated from the Carabao Cup fourth round. The tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Arsenal’s Aaron Loupalo-Bi giving Fleetwood an early lead and Viktor Gyökeres equalising in the second half. Referee Michael Salisbury halted play for roughly eight minutes after a drone hovered over the pitch. Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman was sent off in the 86th minute for violent conduct. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved Bruno Guimarães’s spot-kick and Conor Haughey converted the decisive penalty to win 5-3.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Fleetwood: Dowman Sent Off in Penalty Shock $2.2 billion ‘miracle’ as Arsenal rocked by FOURTH-tier minnow after red card, penalty drama Irish IndependentRTE (Radio Television of Ireland)ABC News AustraliaThe Straits TimesBBC NewsUsNews and World ReportFleetwood 1-1 Arsenal (5-3 pens): Premier League champions dumped out of Carabao Cup by League Two side ESPN

02

Background & Context

Arsenal entered as reigning English champions and recent Champions League runners-up. They had won seven of their opening eight Premier League fixtures and were unbeaten in Europe before the cup tie. Fleetwood Town, a League Two side sitting 18th in the fourth tier, had never reached this stage of the competition.

The Straits Times

Visual evidence

Images from the story

Highlights of the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal
Highlights of the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Fleetwood Town and ArsenalPhoto: skysports
During their Carabao Cup clash at Highbury stadium, Fleetwood versus Arsenal was delayed due to a drone over the pitch
During their Carabao Cup clash at Highbury stadium, Fleetwood versus Arsenal was delayed due to a drone over the pitchPhoto: skysports
Aaron Loupalo-Bi fires Fleetwood into a first-half lead
Aaron Loupalo-Bi fires Fleetwood into a first-half leadPhoto: theguardian
Image: Dowman was sent off for allegedly lashing out amid a mass scuffle
Image: Dowman was sent off for allegedly lashing out amid a mass scufflePhoto: skysports
Viktor Gyokeres pulls Arsenal against Fleetwood level early into second-half!
Viktor Gyokeres pulls Arsenal against Fleetwood level early into second-half!Photo: skysports
Ogden: Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town is 'embarrassing' (1:42)
Ogden: Arsenal's Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town is 'embarrassing' (1:42)Photo: espn
The Fleetwood manager, Matt Lawlor, joined his players’ delirious celebrations
The Fleetwood manager, Matt Lawlor, joined his players’ delirious celebrationsPhoto: theguardian
Fleetwood Town boss Matt Lawlor confirms his side didn't practice their well-taken penalties that they took against Arsenal
Fleetwood Town boss Matt Lawlor confirms his side didn't practice their well-taken penalties that they took against ArsenalPhoto: skysports

03

Data & Statistics

  • Drone delay: approximately eight minutes of stoppage early in the first half.
BBC News
  • Red card: Max Dowman dismissed in the 86th minute.
Daily Star
  • League positions: Fleetwood 18th in League Two; Arsenal top of the Premier League.
Nine.com.au

04

Official Statements & Responses

Goalkeeper Jay Lynch said the team drew inspiration from Grimsby Town’s upset over Manchester United, using that confidence to approach the match.

The Straits Times

05

Criticism & Opposition

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson criticised Arteta’s handling of the Dowman incident, suggesting the manager should have offered the teenager support rather than a rebuke.

Max Dowman red card: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains his reaction to 16-year-old after sending off in Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town

06

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Sources differ on the exact length of the drone-induced interruption: some report an eight-minute delay, others cite seven minutes, while a BBC account mentions “around ten minutes.” The identity of the drone operator and the precise moment the device was removed also vary, leaving the full circumstances of the safety breach unclear.

Is it a UFO?! Carabao Cup clash brought to a halt as drone spotted hovering above stadium and police step in

07

Verbatim Quotes

  • “A really sad day for us,” — Arsenal Arsenal, reigning english champion
UsNews and World Report
  • “We have a massive responsibility to carry this badge in the best possible way,” — Mikel Arteta, said arsenal manager
UsNews and World Report
  • “We talked about Grimsby beating Man United last year; we compared it, even though these are the champions, and thought, if we gave it a go, let's see what happens,” — Jay Lynch
Is Fleetwood Town's defeat of Arsenal the biggest upset in League Cup history?

08

Why it matters

The result marks one of the most significant giant-killings in Carabao Cup history, underscoring the competition’s reputation for unpredictability. For Arsenal, the loss eliminates their earliest realistic opportunity to secure silverware this season and adds pressure to their league campaign. For Fleetwood, the victory brings national exposure, a financial boost from prize money and gate receipts, and a morale lift for a club battling relegation in League Two. The incident also raises questions about stadium security protocols after the unprecedented drone interruption.

ESPN