Neal was at the centre of the incident that saw the Gunners' teenage star Max Dowman sent off.

The ex-Blues man also claimed an assist for Fleetwood's goal - and then converted a penalty in the Cod Army's famous shoot-out win.

Neal, 25, was in the thick of things at the Highbury Stadium as Matt Lawlor's side pulled off a famous upset.

Neal, third from right, helped set up Fleetwood's goal - and later converted a penalty in their famous shoot-out win over the Premier League champions (Image: PA)

First, he made his mark in the 21st minute with the pass that saw Aaron Loupalo-Bi put the League Two club in front.

After Viktor Gyokeres levelled for Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions early in the second half, Neal's heavy challenge on 16-year-old Dowman in the 85th minute saw the young Gunners player kick out in retaliation, causing a melee of players - and a straight red card for Dowman.

RED CARD for Max Dowman! 🟥 https://t.co/wq4EvRIScm

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 27, 2026

The youngster headed off the field in front of a clearly unimpressed Arteta.

And then, as it went to penalties, Neal rifled home Fleetwood's second spot-kick - and then watched the underdogs pull off a stunning win as home keeper Jay Lynch kept out Bruno Guimaraes' effort, allowing Conor Haughey to seal a 5-3 win.

Neal, centre, was on Carlisle's books from January 2024 to January 2025 (Image: Martyn Haworth)

Neal has been with Fleetwood since January 2025, having joined the club following a year-long spell with Carlisle.

He made 47 appearances for the Blues.