Arsenal, the reigning Premier League champions, were ousted from the 2024‑25 League Cup on Tuesday after a 5‑3 defeat in a penalty shoot‑out to fourth‑tier Fleetwood Town, following a 1‑1 stalemate at the Highbury Stadium. The result sent shockwaves through English football, with many describing it as one of the competition’s greatest upsets.
Key details of the match include:
- The game took place on 23 October 2024.
- After regular time ended 1‑1, the shoot‑out saw Fleetwood convert five penalties to Arsenal’s three.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment, stating, "We are disappointed with the result but will learn from this defeat."
- The loss ends Arsenal’s hopes of adding a domestic cup to their recent league title.
- Fleetwood’s goalkeeper made two crucial saves during the shoot‑out, securing the victory for the League Two side.
What other historic cup upsets have shocked English football?
#### Wrexham 2 – Arsenal 1 (1992 FA Cup)
In the 1991‑92 FA Cup, Wrexham, then playing in the Fourth Division, stunned the champions‑to‑be Arsenal 2‑1 at the Racecourse Ground. Alan Smith gave Arsenal the lead, but Mickey Thomas equalised with a free‑kick ten minutes from time, and Steve Watkin netted a dramatic winner in the final minutes.
#### Chelsea 2 – Bradford 4 (2015 FA Cup)
Chelsea, five‑time FA Cup winners between 2006 and 2018, were humbled by third‑tier Bradford City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues led 2‑0 through Gary Cahill and Ramires, yet Bradford rallied with goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates to claim a 4‑2 victory.
#### Hereford 2 – Newcastle 1 (1972 FA Cup)
The fourth‑round tie featured pitch invasions by fans in parkas and a legendary goal by Ronnie Radford. Newcastle appeared set to win when Malcolm Macdonald scored eight minutes from full‑time, but Radford equalised with a 25‑yard screamer, and Ricky George secured the win for Hereford in extra‑time.
#### Liverpool 0 – Wimbledon 1 (1988 FA Cup)
Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” shocked Liverpool, who were on course for a league‑and‑cup double. Lawrie Sanchez headed home from a Dennis Wise free‑kick, and goalkeeper Dave Beasant saved John Aldridge’s penalty, sealing a historic upset.
#### Grimsby 2 – Manchester United 2 (2025 League Cup, 12‑11 on penalties)
In a recent League Cup clash, Grimsby Town overturned a 2‑0 deficit with goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire forced extra‑time for United, but Grimsby prevailed 12‑11 in the shoot‑out, leaving United manager Rubén Amorim stunned.
These matches illustrate how cup competitions in England regularly produce unforgettable moments where lower‑league sides topple football giants.