Shock in the Carabao Cup: League Two Fleetwood Knock Out Arsenal on Penalties

Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign ended in stunning fashion as League Two side Fleetwood Town won a fourth-round tie on penalties. Viktor Gyokeres rescued the Gunners late on, but it was not enough. A red card and a growing injury list make a huge Liverpool clash even trickier.

A Cup Shock for the Ages

Fleetwood Town produced one of the biggest shocks in Carabao Cup history. They dumped out the Premier League champions to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Arsenal had to dig deep just to survive. Gyokeres struck an equaliser that dragged the fourth-round tie to a shootout.

From the spot, though, it was Fleetwood who held their nerve. They won 5-3 on penalties, sparking wild scenes on the Fylde coast.

Dowman Sent Off in a Chaotic Night

The night got worse for Arsenal when teenager Max Dowman was sent off. The referee punished him for retaliating after a poor challenge.

It was a rare moment of lost composure for one of the club’s brightest young talents. It also came at the worst possible time.

Suspension Bites Ahead of Liverpool

Dowman’s dismissal means he will miss Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool this weekend. He joins a growing list of absent wide players.

Bukayo Saka and potentially Christos Tzolis are already on the sidelines. Both missed the trip to Fleetwood.

Arsenal’s Injury Headaches Mount

Mikel Arteta was short of options in wide areas even before the red card. Noni Madueke was also absent from the squad.

Reports say Madueke was not spotted in training on Monday. Arteta has revealed the England winger picked up an ankle issue against Everton, which kept him from making the trip.

Supporters will be desperate for a positive update on Madueke before the Liverpool game, with Arsenal’s wide areas already stretched.

Rice and Calafiori Doubts

Midfielder Declan Rice and full-back Riccardo Calafiori also missed the Fleetwood game. Arteta said Rice, who played against Everton on Saturday and trained on Monday, was unavailable because of a minor injury.

The Standard reports that Rice should be fit to face Liverpool. A further update is expected at Arteta’s pre-match press conference.

Calafiori came off the bench against Everton and appeared to be struggling with a knock at the end of the game. Arteta later described the problem as slight.

What It Means for Arsenal

Arsenal beat Everton comfortably at home on Saturday, so the cup exit feels even more jarring. One week delivered a routine league win and a shocking elimination.

The Gunners now turn their full attention to the Premier League. They face Liverpool on Sunday in the second half of a weekend of top-four clashes. Third-placed Brighton host leaders Manchester City on Saturday.

Key Questions Before Sunday

• Will Madueke recover from his ankle issue in time?
• Is Rice fully fit after his minor injury?
• Will Calafiori be available after his slight knock?
• How will Arteta fill the gaps left by Saka, Tzolis and the suspended Dowman?

The cup shock will sting, but there is little time to dwell on it. Arsenal need answers on the injury front quickly, because Liverpool will not wait.

Fleetwood Enjoy a Night to Remember

For Fleetwood, this is a result that will be talked about for years. A League Two side stood toe-to-toe with the Premier League champions and came out on top.

They now move into the quarter-finals of a competition where giant-killings are part of the charm. For Arsenal, the focus shifts to damage control.