Given their league position, form and pedigree, only one winner was predictable.
Fleetwood played Arsenal on Tuesday, 83 places separating the teams and most home fans arrived with more hope than any expectations. But it is noteworthy that it was the hosts who secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup thanks to a penalty shootout win over the Gunners.
For Cod’s Army, who won six promotions in 12 years in their impressive journey from non-league, this result will surely be remembered for the longest time. Against the reigning Premier League champions, a club from a small seaside town in Lancashire created history by claiming one of the biggest cup wins of all time.
Although Aaron Loupalo-Bi put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute, Victor Gyokeres equalized for the visitors after the break.
And from there, they might have been expected to take charge, but Fleetwood remained resolute, benefiting from a wasteful display by Arsenal, including Arsenal’s Max Dowman being sent off for a strong challenge on Harrison Neal.
Fleetwood, 18th in League Two, having won just once in their last eight league games, dared to dream and took the game to penalties, with fans spilling onto the pitch after Conor Haughey’s decisive strike.
Boss Matt Lawlor told Sky Sports after his side’s stunning win: “Biggest night in the club’s history in terms of the opposition coming to town and we managed to beat the champions.”
“I’m a big football fan and I follow the National League through to the Premier League, the Championship. So it was difficult for me to prepare for this game, but I’m very happy that the lads felt as they were and took this game to make the city, the club, everyone proud.”