Premier League champions Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a 5-3 penalty shootout defeat to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town after a 1-1 draw at Highbury Stadium on October 27, 2026, prompting an appeal against a red card shown to 16-year-old Max Dowman.
Updated October 28, 2026
The seismic upset unfolded on a windy night by the Irish Sea, where League Two strugglers Fleetwood pulled off a major upset against a heavily rotated Arsenal side. Aaron Loupalo-Bi fired the hosts ahead in the 21st minute after shrugging off teenage defender Marli Salmon before beating debutant goalkeeper Illan Meslier from a tight angle.
Arsenal dominated possession and eventually leveled four minutes after the interval. Ceadach O’Neill, making his senior debut, controlled a long ball from Piero Hincapie and delivered a cross that Viktor Gyokeres bundled home from close range for his first goal of the season.
FLEETWOOD HAVE DONE IT! 🤯One of the biggest upsets we’ve ever seen as @ftfc knock out the Premier League Champions on penalties! 🏆#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/teBaHss3xL
— https://x.com/Carabao_Cup/status/2115205041149681800
The match had earlier experienced an interruption lasting more than eight minutes after a drone was spotted flying above the stadium. Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor’s side sat deep and organized, frustrating the visitors as Martin Zubimendi patrolled the midfield in his first start in that role in six months. Arsenal introduced Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Bruno Guimaraes, and Eberechi Eze from the bench after the break in an attempt to break down the resilient defense.
Max Dowman Receives Red Card for Violent Conduct
The tie turned fractious in the closing minutes when 16-year-old midfielder Max Dowman was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute for violent conduct following an altercation with Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal near the halfway line. The dismissal marked the second red card of the month for the teenager, who had also been sent off while representing England Under-19s.
As Dowman walked toward the tunnel past the dugouts, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta leaned in and said something to the youngster. The confrontation drew criticism from pundits, with former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson arguing on Sky Sports that the manager should have handled the situation differently with a 16-year-old.
Asked about his sideline remarks after the match, Arteta defended his stance by pointing to prior preparations. When we prepare the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear
, Arteta told reporters, adding that the comment was something that we discussed before the game
.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman noted that while heavy challenges were flying in thick and fast from both sides, a good player must recognize when opponents will target them and avoid a poor reaction. Former manager Karl Robinson described Arsenal’s decision to contest the suspension as ‘genius leadership’ on Sky Sports FC.
Jay Lynch Saves Penalty to Secure Fleetwood Victory
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Arsenal pressed for a winner in normal time. Ben White had an effort saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch, while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard missed late opportunities to avoid the shootout.
Yep, that really happened last night. 🥰 pic.twitter.com/WPTzhDjEfg
— https://x.com/ftfc/status/2115337783598293073
In the ensuing penalties, both teams converted their opening attempts before Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch held his nerve to save from Bruno Guimaraes. Conor Haughey then stepped up to send Meslier the wrong way, securing a 5-3 shootout victory and sparking a massive pitch invasion by 4,000 home supporters.
Yeah, I hope so. Football’s getting a little bit more, I don’t know, clinical and sanitised. And that to me there was that feeling that we all get as football fans. That was what you kind of live for, isn’t it? To be a part of it is special.
Haughey scores the fifth.Fleetwood Town – ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅Arsenal – ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
— https://x.com/Arsenal/status/2115204280353263944
Lawlor noted that his squad took inspiration from Grimsby Town’s League Cup victory over Manchester United the previous season. The result compounds a rare domestic cup vulnerability for Arsenal under Arteta, following previous FA Cup exits against lower-tier opposition in recent seasons.
More on Max Dowman
Our fourth penalty is saved.Fleetwood Town – ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅Arsenal – ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
— https://x.com/Arsenal/status/2115203917382328558
Update (October 28, 2026)
According to the BBC, Arsenal's appeal against Max Dowman's straight red card follows an incident where his foot made contact with Fleetwood's Harrison Neal after a heavy challenge, though the 16-year-old did not fully kick out. Dowman currently faces a three-match suspension for violent conduct.
The Gunners face a shortage of wing options ahead of Sunday's Premier League away match against Liverpool, with Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis, and Noni Madueke currently sidelined due to injuries.
