Not knowing the rules or practicing penalties: How Fleetwood knocked out Arsenal in Carabao Cup’s greatest shock

Fleetwood Town, the lowest-ranked team in the Carabao Cup, pulled off what is being described as the competition's greatest shock by eliminating Arsenal, the Premier League champions, to advance to the quarter-finals. Manager Matt Lawlor guided his side to the stunning victory despite reported unfamiliarity with the rules and no penalty practice. The match was reported on October 28, 2026, by journalist Jamie Braidwood.