Every player ranked as Arsenal slump out of the Carabao Cup at Fleetwood on penalties
Wrexham, York, Luton, Birmingham, Swindon, Bradford City, some of the worst cup upsets Arsenal have ever suffered. Well, you can now add Fleetwood Town to this list. On Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta's team were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by the side currently 18th in EFL League Two, that is England's fourth-tier to those unfamiliar.
Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi gave the Cod Army an early lead, with Viktor Gyökeres bundled home an equaliser just after half time. However, in the subsequent shootout, Bruno Guimarães was the only man to miss, his attempt saved by Jay Lynch; cue a pitch invasion.
This is not the match reaction we thought we were going to be putting together, but here is every player ranked, not including Ezri Konsa and Guimarães, who were only introduced in the 82nd minute, even if the latter had the most telling touch of all.
14) Eberechi Eze
Came on in the 66th minute but made very little impact, losing the ball nine times.
13) Marli Salmon
Struggled against Fleetwood's front two, specifically scorer Aaron Loupalo-Bi, and was hooked at half time; a steep learning curve for the teenager.
12) Illan Meslier
Didn't really do anything wrong but got nowhere near Fleetwood's admittedly expert spot-kicks. He surprisingly got the nod over Kepa Arrizabalaga, and you wonder when the Frenchman will next be in action for the club after this exit.
11) Max Dowman
Looked dangerous at times, attempting three shots, creating one big chance and registering two key passes. That though is now what Max Dowman's night will be remembered for. Editorialising here, the 16 year old was scandalously sent off. After a wild tackle by Harrison Neal, Dowman not especially aggressively nudges his opponent and was dismissed late on.
10) Martín Zubimendi
Completed 89% of his passes but did little to suggest he should be a more regular starter.
9) Myles Lewis-Skelly
Was tidy in possession; frankly did little of note.
8) Cristhian Mosquera
Was solid enough, but looked like a player who hasn't featured for 57 days.
7) Jurriën Timber
Was actually Arsenal's most-dangerous attacker in the first half, having two shots, including missing a big chance. Captain on the night, Jurriën Timber was replaced at half time, presumably with the intention of starting at Anfield.
6) Kai Havertz
Felt like the Gunners' most-likely scorer throughout, racking up seven shots, of which three were blocked and only one tested the goalkeeper. Not a great night for Kai Havertz in front of goal.
5) Piero Hincapié
Starting for only the second time this season, the other away to Napoli last month, the Ecuadorian did look ready to feature on a more regular basis.
4) Viktor Gyökeres
Scored, possibly, the most League Two goal Arsenal have ever and will ever score in their entire history, bundling the ball over the line. This was Viktor Gyökeres' first club goal since netting against Fulham in May, but he can take very little else from his visit to Lancashire.
3) Ben White
Looked bright after being introduced at the break and, if Arsenal were going to find a winner in normal time, it felt as though it was going to come down Ben White's side.
2) Ceadach O'Neill
Few had ever heard of Ceadach O'Neill before this game. Those outside Ireland probably still don't know how to correctly pronounce his first name! During 66 minutes on the pitch, the 18 year old racked up three key passes and three progressive carries, looking like he belongs at first-team level. This is certainly not the debut he dreamt of, so let's hope the young man gets another chance soon.
1) Martin Ødegaard
On a night to forget for all involved, of an Arsenal persuasion that is, Martin Ødegaard's importance was underlined. In the most obvious move of all-time, a goal down at the break, Arteta turned to his captain. The Norwegian ranked fifth for touches in the entire match, despite only playing half of it, and appeared to be the only man in blue with any urgency at all.
A night to forget but, if we're all together on the streets of Islington in early-June celebrating Premier League and Champions League glory, no one will remember this.
