"This is what football is about": Manager of English fourth-division side who sank Arsenal holds young fan and breaks down in tears... "Iconic moment + all-time romance"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Fleetwood Town, an "18th-place team in the fourth division," staged a major upset by defeating Arsenal, the "defending champions" of the English Premier League (EPL). Following the historic victory, Fleetwood home fans rushed onto the pitch to cheer.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 28th (Korean time) that "after the weakest team toppled Arsenal, a large crowd rushed onto the pitch," adding that "an iconic cup competition moment was created as Fleetwood manager embraced a young fan."

Fleetwood of England's League Two (fourth division) won 5-3 on penalties after finishing regulation time 1-1 in the Round of 16 match of the 2026-27 season Carabao Cup held at Highbury Stadium in Fleetwood, UK, on the day.

The match began under a chaotic atmosphere, with an unauthorized drone appearing over the stadium shortly after kickoff, causing a delay of about eight minutes. Fleetwood took the initiative. In the 21st minute of the first half, Aaron Rupalo scored the opening goal by capitalizing on a mistake by Arsenal's 17-year-old defender Mali Salmon.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had changed nine players in his starting lineup to prepare for the weekend match against Liverpool, launched a counterattack by bringing on Martin Odegaard and Ben White at the start of the second half. In the fifth minute of the second half, Viktor Gyokeres scored an equalizer, leveling the score.

However, Arsenal self-destructed when 16-year-old prospect Max Dowman was sent off with a straight red card in the 40th minute of the second half after kicking out in anger at a rough tackle by Harrison Neal. The media reported that "Manager Arteta glared fiercely at Dowman as he headed down the tunnel after being sent off."

Ultimately, the outcome was decided in the penalty shootout. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch saved the shot from Arsenal's fourth kicker, Bruno Gimaraes. Following this, Fleetwood's final kicker, Connor Hockley, successfully converted his shot, securing a place in the quarterfinals.

The media reported that "Fleetwood manager Matt Rowlings, who shed tears of emotion as the victory was confirmed, embraced a young fan, presumed to be his son, near the touchline," adding that "Fleetwood home fans who rushed onto the pitch shared their joy with the players while maintaining order without major collisions."

Manager Rowlings, who landed a big fish, explained the factors behind the victory in an interview with Sky Sports, saying, "It is unbelievable. It is the greatest night in club history," and adding, "Knowing that our opponent was England's best team, we did not become arrogant enough to match their intensity. We thoroughly blocked their space and options, hoping for luck to be on our side."

He added, "The spaces Arsenal created were always the overwhelming sight seen in the EPL. It was a difficult match to prepare for, but I am truly grateful to our players who made everyone in the local community proud."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original