Arsenal suffered one of their worst defeats in years. The Premier League champions lost to Fleetwood Town, a team from the fourth tier, in the League Cup on Tuesday night.

The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Fleetwood then won 5-3 on penalties to move into the next round.

How the Game Went

Fleetwood scored first in the 21st minute. Arsenal's 17-year-old defender Marli Salmon made a mistake. Aaron Loupalo-Bi took advantage, ran into the box and scored a low shot past Arsenal's new goalkeeper, Illan Meslier.

Arsenal had most of the ball after that, but they could not create good chances. Manager Mikel Arteta looked unhappy on the sideline. He brought on Martin Odegaard at half-time, and five minutes later Viktor Gyokeres scored the equaliser from close range.

Late in the game, Arsenal's Dowman was sent off in the 85th minute. He kicked out at Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal. Arteta was not happy with the player as he walked off.

FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Arsenal players line up for the penalty shootout during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal at Highbury Stadium on October 27, 2026 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Arsenal players stand together before the penalty shootout. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Penalty Shootout

Both teams scored their first three penalties. Then Arsenal's Bruno Guimaraes had his penalty saved by Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch. Conor Haughey stayed calm and scored the winning penalty.

FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Fleetwood Town players celebrate after Jay Lynch of Fleetwood Town saves a penalty from Bruno Guimaraes of Arsenal to win the match during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal at Highbury Stadium on October 27, 2026 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Fleetwood players run to celebrate after the winning penalty. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor cried tears of joy. Fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the players.

FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Matt Lawlor, Manager of Fleetwood Town, celebrates after the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Fleetwood Town and Arsenal at Highbury Stadium on October 27, 2026 in Fleetwood, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor celebrates after beating Arsenal. (Photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A Night to Remember

Arsenal made many changes to their team. Only Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gyokeres kept their places from the last game. Two teenagers, Dowman and Salmon, started the match. Winger Ceadach O'Neill, who is 18, played his first game for the club.

Before this game, Fleetwood were in 18th place in League Two and had lost their last two league games. Still, they were not afraid of their big visitors. The match was also delayed for eight minutes because a drone flew over the stadium.

Fleetwood's ground is called Highbury, the same name as Arsenal's old home. It is a small stadium with space for only 5,327 fans. Now it will be remembered as the place where Arsenal had their most painful loss under Arteta.

Fans with long memories will remember Arsenal's loss to third-tier Swindon in the 1969 League Cup final. They will also remember the 1992 FA Cup defeat by fourth-tier Wrexham. But many say this result is even bigger.