According to a post shared on ESPN FC’s official Facebook account on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Fleetwood Town produced a remarkable Carabao Cup upset by defeating Arsenal on penalties after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the fourth round.

The result marked a historic moment in English football, with Arsenal becoming the first reigning Premier League champions to be eliminated from the League Cup by a fourth-tier side.

ESPN FC highlighted the significance of the achievement in its post, stating: “The first reigning PL champions to be knocked out of the League Cup by a League Two side 🤯”

The difference in the clubs’ reported squad valuations made Fleetwood’s achievement even more remarkable. Arsenal’s squad was valued at approximately €1.4 billion, while Fleetwood’s squad was estimated to be worth €2.8 million.

Despite the financial disparity, Fleetwood, who were occupying 18th position in League Two, delivered a determined performance at Highbury Stadium. The hosts matched their more celebrated opponents throughout the contest and ultimately secured victory through a penalty shootout.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave Fleetwood the lead before Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres restored parity. The equaliser kept the visitors in contention, but Arsenal encountered further difficulties when teenage forward Max Dowman received a red card late in the second half.

The dismissal left Arsenal with ten players for the closing stages of the match, making their pursuit of a winning goal more challenging. Neither team managed to break the deadlock before the final whistle, forcing the encounter into a penalty shootout.

Fleetwood demonstrated composure under pressure, successfully converting all five of their penalties. Their goalkeeper, Jay Lynch, also played a decisive role by saving Bruno Guimarães’ attempt for Arsenal.

Nineteen-year-old defender Conor Haughey subsequently converted the decisive spot-kick, completing a 5-3 penalty shootout victory and sending Fleetwood’s players and supporters into celebrations.

The result represents one of the most significant achievements in Fleetwood’s history, given the opposition and the circumstances surrounding the match.

For Arsenal, the defeat brought their Carabao Cup campaign to an unexpected end and created an unwanted record for the reigning Premier League champions. Meanwhile, Fleetwood will remember the victory as a landmark moment in the club’s history.