“Giant killed!” Fourth-tier Fleetwood dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup

Arsenal have been knocked out from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Fleetwood Town. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, License Details)

Football’s greatest beauty arrives from its unpredictable nature and in the sports ability to turn the unthinkable into the reality, and Fleetwood Town produced a night they'll remember for the rest of their lives by eliminating Premier League champions Arsenal from the Carabao Cup.

The League Two side held Mikel Arteta's side 1-1 to a draw at full time before winning 5-3 on penalties at the Highbury Stadium, producing one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Fleetwood had nothing to lose from this game and approached with a fearless attitude right from the start.

In the 21st minute, Aaron Loupalo-Bi capitalised on a long ball, running past Arsenal youngster Marli Salmon before finishing past goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who was stranded, which led to an eruption of the home crowd, as the hosts couldn't believe they had taken the lead against one of the best teams in the world right now.

Arsenal, however, found an equaliser five minutes after half-time with Viktor Gyökeres, who finished from close range to draw things level.

Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch produced crucial saves to keep his side alive, including late saves from Ben White and Martin Ødegaard.

The tie heated up when Arsenal teenager Max Dowman was sent off in the 85th minute for kicking after a challenge from Harrison Neal.

Reduced to ten men, Arsenal had less time and were a man down as Fleetwood forced the game to penalties. Lynch became the hero for the minnows in the shootout, saving Bruno Guimarães’s penalty before Conor Haughey converted the final kick, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

The home side scored all of their penalties and booked their place in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time in the club's history.

For Fleetwood, it was a triumph of belief and resilience. The Cod Army may play in League Two, but on this extraordinary night, the gap between the two clubs disappeared under the lights and that's the magic of knockout football.