‘This isn’t supposed to happen’: giant-slaying Fleetwood revels in fairytale Arsenal win

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Fishing town in disbelief the morning after its footballing minnows beat mighty Arsenal on penalties</p><p>On a wet and windy night on the north-west coast of England, a League Two side <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/27/fleetwood-town-arsenal-carabao-cup-fourth-round-match-report">sensationally knocked </a>the Premier League champions out of the Carabao Cup. But this is not just <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/27/that-was-what-you-live-for-fleetwood-revel-in-unbelievably-special-arsenal-win">a fairytale story of giant-slaying</a>: Fleetwood Town and Arsenal have an unlikely history that stretches back long before Tuesday night’s game.</p><p>Arsenal played at their iconic Highbury stadium until 2006, and Fleetwood’s ground has the same title, being named after Highbury Avenue, the adjoining street.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/28/this-isnt-supposed-to-happen-giant-slaying-fleetwood-revels-in-fairytale-win">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.