'Biggest night in the club's history' for fearless Fleetwood
Fleetwood Town achieved a historic upset by defeating Premier League champions Arsenal in a penalty shootout during the EFL Cup. The League Two side secured a quarter-final spot after a 1-1 draw, marking one of the most significant victories in the club's history.
Why it matters
This result highlights the unpredictable nature of cup football and the significant gap between lower-league clubs and elite Premier League teams.
Image source, Shutterstock Image caption, Conor Haughey (right) struck the winning penalty for Fleetwood Town against Arsenal to send the club through to the EFL Cup quarter-final for the first time
Given their league positions, form and pedigree there could only have been one winner predicted.
Fleetwood played Arsenal on Tuesday with 83 places separating the teams and most home fans arriving in hope rather than any expectation. But remarkably, it was the hosts who booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-final thanks to their penalty shootout win over the Gunners.
For the Cod Army, who won six promotions in 12 years in their impressive journey from non-league, this result will surely be remembered longest of all. Against the reigning Premier League champions, the club from a small seaside town in Lancashire created history in claiming one of the biggest cup upsets ever.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Fleetwood Town Stuns Arsenal in Historic League Cup Upset
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