Martin Ødegaard Says Arsenal Have No Time to Dwell on Fleetwood Shock
A humiliating cup exit to Fleetwood Town leaves the Gunners reeling as injury woes mount ahead of a daunting trip to Anfield for a crucial Premier League showdown.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has exclaimed that Arsenal were ‘not at the right level’ after Arsenal were shockingly dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Fleetwood Town 5-3 on penalties after the score was level at 1-1 at full time.
The hosts had taken the lead on the 20-minute mark through on-loan Fulham striker Aaron Loupalo-Bi, before Arsenal struck back through Viktor Gyökeres in the second half. Arteta’s side pushed for a winner but were unable to find the back of the Fleetwood net, who then went on to beat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties after Bruno Guimarães’ spot kick was saved.
Arsenal stand as they lose 5-3 on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening (IMAGO / Focus Images)
Arsenal stand as they lose 5-3 on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town on Tuesday evening (IMAGO / Focus Images)
Speaking after the game, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard hit out at his side for not being on the right level in last night’s tie. The Norwegian said, “It’s very frustrating to go out. Obviously, the way we played was not on the level. We need to play much, much better. It’s frustrating, but congratulations to Fleetwood and we look forward to the next game already to bounce back.”
Games do not get much easier for Arsenal to respond to the shocking defeat, as the Gunners head to Anfield for matchday nine of the Premier League season on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal will look to put in a performance on Merseyside in an effort to regain some pride from last night, but the Gunners have not won a match over the Reds at Anfield since 2012. Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League, behind Manchester City, who lead the way on goal difference.
After the match last night, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also announced some new injuries to the squad, including an ankle injury to Noni Madueke and knocks to Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori. It is unknown as to whether any of them will make the trip to the north-west at the weekend, having all missed out on the squad in last night’s abysmal display.
All eyes for Arsenal are now on Anfield, as they hope to restore some pride by putting in a performance to beat a Liverpool side who play Chelsea on Wednesday night, looking to do what Arsenal couldn’t, and progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.