ARSENAL were dumped from the cup by minnows Fleetwood Town in a dramatic penalty shootout defeat that will go down as one of the biggest cupsets in modern history.
The Gunners were taken all the way to spot-kicks by their opposition after a lacklustre 1-1 performance and a shock red card for .
loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi shocked the Premier League champions with an early goal and set up a torrid night for ‘s men.
‘ second-half equaliser was enough to force penalties after Max Dowman was sent off for kicking out at a player.
And Connor Haughey became the hero of the Cod Army when he tucked home the decisive penalty in the shootout after Bruno Guimaraes saw his effort saved from 12 yards.
Here’s how SunSport Reporter Joshua Hall rated each individual Arsenal performance…
ILLAN MESLIER – 5
A debut for the summer arrival and one that some thought could spell the end of ‘s time in goal.
Although, his attempt to save Fleetwood’s opener didn’t exactly go a long way to securing himself the No.2 spot, nor did his failure to save a single penalty.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 5
Important appearance to continue debelping his fitnessand wearing the captain’s armband for the first time ever.
However, Arsenal’s difficult first half meant he was hooked for after just 45 minutes.
CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA – 6
Returning from injury for his first start in nearly two months.
Battled really well with for most of the game, but is always a noticeable drop off from the likes of , and .
MARLI SALMON – 4
Couldn’t contain Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi for Fleetwood’s opener and will be disappointed with the way he was rolled and outmuscled by the forward.
A tough night for the 17-year-old, who was replaced by at the break.
PIERO HINCAPIE – 6
Spent most of the game inside the Fleetwood final third as he pushed forward in search of some attacking contribution.
Missed an early opportunity, but was solid overall.
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 5
A lack of minutes this season meant this was a rare start for the World Cup winner.
Rushed things a little and wasn’t able to knit together Arsenal’s possession with the ease at which you would expect agains League Two opposition.
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6
Battled well at times, but gave possession away too often.
was barking instructions at the versatile ace throughout the match, which shows what the Arsenal manager thought of some of his decision making.
MAX DOWMAN – 4
Kicked, pulled, harried and fouled every single time he got the ball.
The teenager’s reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in England precedes him and it made it a difficult night for him.
And it all came to a head when he kicked out at Harrison Neal following a night of being belted.
The referee had no choice but to, rightfully, show him a red card.
Dowman can’t argue with it, it was a silly decision to kick out, but you can understand his frustration.
CEADACH O’NEILL – 7
A senior debut for the 18-year-old, who has already amassed four caps for the national team despite never playing for Arsenal before this game.
Struggled for space on the left side in the first half, but was always trying to chase down the opposition and battled for every loose ball.
His second-half performance was the standout, creating Gyokeres’ equaliser with a fizzed cross and growing in confidence every time he got the ball.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
An unusual choice from Arteta to play Havertz and Gyokeres from the start ahead of such a big game against Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.
Missed a host of big opportunities and despite some nice footwork at times, needed to be better in the final third.
VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6
The first 45 minutes were some of the most difficult Gyokeres has had in an Arsenal shirt, struggling to impact a game against League Two oppositiohn.
But it was the Swede who bundled in Arsenal’s equaliser to get his first goal of the season.
SUBSTITUTES
MARTIN ODEGAARD (for Salmon, 45 mins) – 7
Completely changed the game when he came on, dictating Arsenal’s attack from deep and acting as the midfield metronome to help take the Gunners to penalties.
But even he could not stop Fleetwood from pulling off this shock victory.
BEN WHITE (for Timber, 45mins) – 6
Solid enough when he came on, helped to create space for Odegaard.
EBERECHI EZE (for O’Neill, 66mins) – 6
Some nice play down the left flank, but seemed unusual for Arteta to replace O’Neill given his performance in the second half.
EZRI KONSA (for Lewis-Skelly, 82mins) – N/A
BRUNO GUIMARAES (for Zubimendi, 82mins) – 4
Missed the crucial penalty with a stuttering run-up.
