Not Knowing the Rules and Practice Penalties
October 29, 2026 ·
Fleetwood Town achieved a historic victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, eliminating the Premier League champions in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Not Knowing the Rules and Practice Penalties
According to Sports.
Background
This win was a highlight for Fleetwood Town, who had previously struggled with five defeats in their last seven games. It also underlines the importance of mentality and discipline in facing big teams, which could be key to their performance in League Two.
Why this is important
Fleetwood Town's victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup was a historic moment that showed the mental strength and fighting spirit of the League Two team. It's not just about the result, but also about how a team that is considered an underdog can beat the Premier League champions, which will certainly affect their confidence in the rest of the season.
Main Points
- Not Knowing the Rules and Practice Penalties.
- Fleetwood Town achieved a historic victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, eliminating the Premier League champions in a dramatic penalty shootout.
- Not knowing the rules or practicing penalties: How Fleetwood knocked out Arsenal in Carabao Cup's biggest shock - Yahoo.
In the joy of Fleetwood Town's victory over Premier League champions Arsenal, perhaps the biggest upset in Carabao Cup history, there were no secrets, no hidden tactics. Manager Matt Lawlor celebrated his biggest career win and Fleetwood's most historic night with charming honesty. "We never practiced once," he said, after the League Two side had managed to score five penalties in perfect stride, until 19-year-old centre-back Conor Haughey slotted their final penalty into the top corner. “I'm not going to pretend that we had a thorough penalty plan, we didn't.” Lawlor wasn't too sure about the rules of the game either. When Fleetwood defended Arsenal's second-half attack and substitute Martin Odegaard threatened to crack the deep defensive code, Lawlor thought his team would survive until extra time until one of his assistants reminded him that the English Football League had abolished extra time years ago. "I thought, 'Oh my God, thank you for that,'" he said with a smile.
However, there is commitment, passion and discipline in abundance at (Highbury them). Fleetwood have lost five of their last seven games since knocking out Sheffield United in the third round last month and drawing with the champions, as if scheduling the biggest night in the club's history on the Fylde Coast has distracted them from their unbeaten start. Lawlor looks at his young squad and accepts they will suffer a dip in form, but he is backing them to bounce back for the big moment. Arsenal haven't conceded in the Premier League in three games, but they conceded just 21 minutes after kick-off against a team who are 18th in League Two and 84 places below them. There was decisiveness in the way on-loan Fulham striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi targeted 17-year-old Arsenal centre-back Marli Salmon, one of three teenagers in the visiting line-up, by shrugging her off before finishing ahead of debutant goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
But Fleetwood had to exploit the gap. Arteta made nine changes from their 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday but kept two strikers, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, whose total cost was £100m. Martin Zubimendi played in the World Cup final three months ago. Arsenal have Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Bruno Guimaraes on the bench and all three need to be brought on. But just by bringing in Odegaard, doubts and dangers begin to emerge. And the defending champion was held very well. Rhys Bennett was somehow in the right place to block Havertz's volley from close range after Gyokeres had scored a goal back. Jay Lynch, the goalkeeper, lost his voice directing his defense from side to side. He revealed that Fleetwood took inspiration from Grimsby, also from League Two, who knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup last season: if they get to the penalty spot, then anything can happen. Time goes by and, suddenly, the finish line is in sight. Then Arsenal lost one player. Max Dowman was outstanding in destroying Premier League natives Ipswich in the previous round, scoring twice in a 4-2 win. If there is one player Fleetwood should keep an eye on before kick-off, it is likely to be the 16-year-old selected by Lionel Messi this month as one of football's biggest future names. Harrison Neal's foul on Dowman from behind near the sideline was particularly harsh. Dowman's reaction, which kicked Neal back, resulted in him being sent off the field. But Arsenal, despite their anger, nearly ruined everything. They had three clear chances to break Fleetwood's hearts, only for Lynch to save a shot from Ben White and Odegaard and Havertz to send a header wide. Finally, they could breathe again. Penalty shootout. And Fleetwood found the freedom to reach a point they weren't even prepared for. The last penalty shoot-out Arsenal took part in was the Champions League final, against Paris Saint-Germain, and the quality of Odegaard's first penalty, which sailed into the side-netting, felt absolutely spot-on. But Fleetwood responded with conviction, each penalty more impressive than the last. Lynch remained patient as Guimaraes stalled, and guessed correctly to save and take Fleetwood another step. Haughey didn't hesitate. He ran and didn't look back. With the Sky Sports camera in his face, broadcast live on national TV, his first reaction was to swear, but that was natural. "We just beat the Premier League champions," he said. That sounds absurd. Since 1992, when Wrexham knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, no team from the fourth division has beaten the champions in a domestic cup tie. But on Fleetwood's biggest night, he was right.
What happened next
With this victory, it is hoped that Fleetwood Town can build positive momentum in their domestic competition. Meanwhile, Arsenal will need to evaluate their strategy following their Carabao Cup exit, which could impact their outlook on the remainder of the season and targets in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal match?
Fleetwood Town beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup match.
How many penalties have Fleetwood Town scored?
Fleetwood Town managed to score five penalties.
What impact will Fleetwood Town's win have on their position in the table?
This win was a historic moment for Fleetwood Town, even though they have lost five of their last seven games.
When is the next game for Fleetwood Town?
Information regarding the next match for Fleetwood Town is not mentioned in the article.
Which Fleetwood Town manager celebrated this win?
Fleetwood Town's manager who celebrated this victory was Matt Lawlor.
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