Arsenal knocked out of League Cup as Dowman sent off and Arteta's reaction questioned

Fleetwood Town eliminated Premier League champions Arsenal from the Carabao Cup, England's League Cup, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the last-16 football tie. Arsenal's 16-year-old winger Max Dowman was sent off during the match, and the reaction of manager Mikel Arteta afterwards sparked debate. The result ends Arsenal's run in the competition at the last-16 stage.

How the match unfolded

Arsenal had 26 shots and 78% possession in normal time but still went behind. The game was stopped early, in the second minute, for more than eight minutes because a drone was flying above the pitch. Arteta named an experimental side: 18-year-old Ceadach O'Neill made his debut, 17-year-old Marli Salmon started at centre back, and goalkeeper Illan Meslier made his first start for the club. Experienced players such as Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were also in the line-up. Captain Martin Odegaard and Bruno Guimaraes came on later. Arsenal have not won the League Cup for 33 years.

Dowman's red card

Dowman, who scored twice against Ipswich in the previous round, reacted to a heavy challenge from Harrison Neal by making a movement towards him with his leg. Referee Michael Salisbury sent him off. It was his second red card this month, after a dismissal playing for England Under-19s. Arteta said after the match that the behaviour had been discussed before kick-off. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson felt the manager's reaction was wrong, while ex-Everton player Leon Osman said Dowman's reaction was poor and showed a lack of experience.

What comes next

Dowman is now suspended, Bukayo Saka is out for around six weeks, Christos Tzolis is still recovering and Noni Madueke is injured. That leaves Arsenal short of wide options for Sunday's match against Liverpool.