Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received praise for his reaction following the Gunners’ stunning League Cup elimination at the hands of League Two side Fleetwood Town.
The Premier League champions suffered a humiliating exit after losing a penalty shootout, despite being overwhelming favourites to progress. Goals from Aaron Loupalo-Bi and Viktor Gyökeres left the match level at 1-1, while Arsenal were reduced to 10 men after 16-year-old Max Dowman received a red card in the 86th minute.
With no extra time, the tie went straight to penalties. Fleetwood kept their composure and converted all five of their spot-kicks, while Bruno Guimarães missed for Arsenal, sealing one of the competition’s biggest upsets.
Arteta appeared furious when Dowman was sent off, seemingly shouting at the young midfielder as he left the pitch. However, his reaction after the final whistle told a different story.
Fleetwood manager Matt Lawlor revealed that the Arsenal boss congratulated him in the tunnel and repeatedly shook his hand, describing Arteta as gracious despite the painful defeat.
Lawlor praised the Spaniard’s conduct, admitting that he understood how disappointing the result must have been for him but was impressed by the respect he showed Fleetwood.
Arteta also demonstrated sportsmanship during his post-match press conference, congratulating Fleetwood and acknowledging the atmosphere they created.
The Arsenal manager insisted that his players showed the right attitude and intensity, even after going down to 10 men. However, he admitted that his team should have scored more goals given the number of chances they created.
Arteta accepted that failing to take those opportunities left Arsenal vulnerable to an upset, adding that although Fleetwood’s chances of winning appeared slim, football always leaves room for surprises.
Despite the disappointment, he made it clear that Fleetwood deserved congratulations for their achievement.
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